Current Date: 08 Jun, 2026
{{entry.title}}

The 1976 April Fools' Pranks, Planetary Alignment

On April fool's Day, 1976, the BBC convinced many listeners that a special alignment of the planets would temporarily decrease gravity on Earth. Phone lines were flooded with callers who claimed they felt the effects.

Sir Patrick Moore, a British astronomer, announced on BBC2 radio in 1976 that a remarkable and impending planetary alignment would momentarily weaken gravity.

According to Sir Patrick, the alignment of Pluto, Jupiter, and the Earth will counteract the gravitational pull of Earth at 947 a.m. The astronomer informed his audience that individuals could experience a brief sensation of weightlessness if they leaped into the air at the exact moment he instructed them to.

When Sir Patrick declared “now” at 9:47 a.m., people jumped all over the United Kingdom and even abroad. Hundreds of people called the radio station to report experiencing the effect.

A caller claimed that she and her spouse had experienced levitation; Sir Patrick had devised the April Fool’s Day joke to mock assertions that a planetary alignment in 1982 would result in significant earthquakes.

Similar Stories
How 18th Century Women’s Rights Movements Shaped Modern Equality

How 18th Century Women’s Rights Movements Shaped Modern Equality

The 18th century marked a turning point in the quest for women’s rights, as passionate voices challenged centuries of gender inequality and laid the groundwork for modern feminism. From pioneers like Mary Wollstonecraft to revolutionary declarations and early advocacy, this era sparked debates on education, political participation, and social justice that continue to resonate today. Journey through the origins of women’s rights movements and discover how their bold ideas shaped the fight for equality.

Will & William Wests: The puzzling situation of two inmates who are identical but not related

Will & William Wests: The puzzling situation of two inmates who are identical but not related

These are the mugshots of Will West and William West, and they are not related. They were both sent to Leavenworth Prison at the same time, in 1903, and after some confusion, the staff understood they had two different prisoners with the nearly same name, who looked exactly alike. They are part of the reason fingerprints are now used as identification.

10 world’s most destructive and dangerous volcanic eruptions in history

10 world’s most destructive and dangerous volcanic eruptions in history

Volcanic eruptions can devastate cities, change the world's atmosphere, and devastate economic systems. They can create molten lava rivers, mudslides, suffocating ash, and poisonous gases that cause chaos around the world for years. A volcanic explosion's effects can be massive, from its size to its death toll to its economic cost. Here is ten world’s most destructive and dangerous volcanic eruptions in history.

Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Amazonian Cities Using Lidar Technology

Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Amazonian Cities Using Lidar Technology

Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, archaeologists have uncovered an ancient network of urban settlements once inhabited by the Upano people about 2,000 years ago. Using cutting-edge lidar technology, these discoveries reveal a highly organized society featuring sophisticated agricultural systems, drainage canals, and extensive road networks. This transformative find challenges long-held assumptions about ancient Amazonian societies and sheds light on a complex civilization thriving in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Ancient Egyptians Had Pregnancy Tests Over 3500 Years Ago

Ancient Egyptians Had Pregnancy Tests Over 3500 Years Ago

The ancient Egyptians used a pregnancy test that involved potentially pregnant women peeing on barley and wheat seeds. Plant growth indicated pregnancy: barley for a boy and wheat for a girl. Later tests revealed that pregnant women's urine causes plant growth 70% of the time, whereas non-pregnant women's urine does not.