Internet rumor
Circulating since: Aug. 2008
A nonsense online rumor claims that “the sun will rise continuously for 1.5 days or 36 hours” on October 17, 2008, means three regular days converting into “two big days”. Those who are involve to spread this baseless rumor supposed that this event only happens once every 2,400 years.
Lots of emails & messages were spread continuously since 2008 regarding this rumor. some of such emails provided by receivers are displayed below.
#1:
Email contributed by Devesh S, Aug. 10, 2008:
| FW: Sun will rise continuously for 36hrs (1.5 days) Coming October 17, 2008 the sun will rise continuously for 36 hrs (1.5 days). During this time the US countries will be dark for 1.5 days. It will convert 3 days into 2 big days. It will happen once in 2400 yrs. We're very lucky to see this. Forward it to all ur frenz |
#2:
Email contributed by Arihant Pandey, Oct. 5, 2008:
| Coming October 17, the sun will rise continuously for 36hours (1.5 Days) In this time the US countries will be dark for 1.5 Days. It will convert 3 Days to 2 Big Days. It will happen once in 2400 years. We are very lucky to see it. Don’t miss it! |
And, now these emails & messages are continued to spread.
Similar message received by myself some days before & this message containing:
“On 17 Oct 2010, the sun will rise continuously for 36 hours(1.5 days). At this time US countries will remain dark for 1.5 days. It will convert 3 days to 2 big days. It happens once in 2400 years. we are lucky to see this, don’t miss it and forward to all your friends….!”
Real Scenario/ Fact:
“Rising” or “Setting” of Sun after every 24 hours is because the earth rotates on its axis while revolving around the sun. It does not — and cannot — stop rotating, nor does its speed appreciably fluctuate (various factors such as climate and seismic events can cause miniscule changes in the earth’s rotation speed, but according to scientists all of these combined add up to a differential of no more than one second per year).
For a day to last 36 hours is only possible if the earth’s rotation would either have to cease altogether or slow down dramatically — neither of which ever happens (not possible at all).
Just a prank or a rumor
Information available regarding this rumor force us to say that this is truly a prank or rumor which continuously spread by some felon.
- All of these postings contained precisely the same wording.
- Most of these postings originated from India.
Essence:
This is truly a rumor nothing more than that based on the fact which is not physically possible.
It’s Impossible.