IRH 267: Apocalypse Beliefs, Black Hole Swarm & The Consciousness Crisis
One third of Americans believe the world will end in their lifetime. Astronomers discover 100 black holes devouring a star cluster. Oklahoma family reports Class A Bigfoot sighting. Scientists warn we're creating consciousness faster than we can understand it.
Study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals apocalyptic thinking is now mainstream, not just fringe conspiracy theorists. Five psychological dimensions identified: imminence, causation (human vs divine), personal control, emotional outlook, and vision of what the end looks like. Researchers say this affects voting, policy, and how society responds to crises.
Palomar 5 star cluster being consumed by swarm of 100+ black holes, each 20 times the mass of our sun. Located 80,000 light years from Earth with a 30,000 light year tidal stream. In a billion years, only black holes will remain orbiting the Milky Way.
Family in Oklahoma witnesses massive bipedal creature crossing power line easement in broad daylight northwest of Durant. BFRO classifies as Class A encounter—credible witnesses, close range, no misidentification.
Deep dive: Scientists warning of existential risk from creating consciousness faster than we understand it. Lab-grown brain organoids that might be aware. AI systems that could be conscious with no way to recognize it. Ethical disasters we're not prepared to handle. What happens when we can't tell if something is conscious?
