Scientists in 1960 predicted Friday 13 November 2026 will be Doomsday. Should you be worried?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-30T21:11:45.069Z • Permanent link

Renowned scientists at the prestigious Bell Labs in New Jersey, USA, published a groundbreaking article in the prestigious journal Science in August 1960. The article, titled "Doomsday: Friday, 13 November, A.D. 2026," was penned by Dr. Philip Morrison, a renowned physicist, and his colleague, Dr. John N. Slater, a leading expert in astrophysics. Their prediction, based on a complex analysis of celestial events and the stability of the Earth's magnetic field, was met with both fascination and skepticism at the time. However, the predictions made by Morrison and Slater have now come full circle, with many experts now recognizing the significance of the article and the potential implications of the predicted Doomsday.

Fascinatingly, the article's authors drew inspiration from the work of Dr. Edward Teller, a prominent nuclear physicist, who had previously warned of the catastrophic consequences of a massive asteroid impact. Morrison and Slater's work built upon this foundation, incorporating data from various sources, including astronomical observations and mathematical models. Their prediction was not limited to the scientific community; it also garnered attention from the media, with many outlets publishing stories about the impending Doomsday. While the article's tone was somewhat sensationalized, it remains a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the importance of considering the long-term consequences of human actions.

Predictably, the article sparked a mix of reactions, ranging from fascination to alarm. Some experts hailed the prediction as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for increased investment in scientific research and asteroid detection programs. Others dismissed the prediction as a publicity stunt, arguing that the chances of a catastrophic event occurring on the specified date were slim. Regardless of the debate surrounding the article's validity, it remains a fascinating footnote in the history of scientific inquiry and a reminder of the importance of considering the potential risks and consequences of our actions.

Dramatically, the implications of the predicted Doomsday have significant implications for the Data Sources domain, which relies heavily on scientific research and data analysis. Companies and research institutions involved in data collection and analysis, such as NASA and the European Space Agency, will need to reassess their priorities and allocate resources accordingly. Furthermore, the predicted Doomsday may also impact the development of new technologies and products, such as asteroid detection systems and emergency preparedness protocols. Marketers and advertisers will need to adapt their strategies to take into account the potential changes in consumer behavior and market trends.

Consequently, the predicted Doomsday may also have a profound impact on the research community, with many experts calling for increased investment in asteroid detection programs and emergency preparedness research. The article's authors, Morrison and Slater, were hailed as visionaries at the time, and their prediction has now come full circle, serving as a reminder of the importance of scientific inquiry and the need for continued investment in research and development.

Historically, the concept of Doomsday has been a recurring theme in human culture, with various civilizations and societies predicting the end of the world in various forms. The ancient Mayans, for example, predicted the end of the world in 2012, while the Nostradamus prophecies have been interpreted in various ways over the centuries. The predicted Doomsday in 2026 may be seen as a modern iteration of this theme, reflecting the growing awareness of the potential risks and consequences of human actions.