Hercolubus, also known as the "Red Planet," has been the subject of much speculation over the years. It is believed to have the power to unleash catastrophic disasters on Earth due to its supposed elliptical orbit, which, according to some, brings it dangerously close to our planet in cycles of thousands of years. Although the scientific community denies its existence, many conspiracy theories claim that world governments are concealing information about this celestial body. While the scientific community has debunked many myths related to space, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest news, such as the activation of planetary safety protocols due to the threat of asteroids.
The legend of Hercolubus has become intertwined with end-of-the-world theories , ancient prophecies, and pseudoscientific explanations of astronomical events. In this article, we will explore the origin of this myth, the most relevant claims about its impact, and the scientific evidence that disproves its existence. We will also analyze its relationship to other concepts such as Nibiru, the Maya, and apocalyptic prophecies. For more information on which planets might be habitable in the future, you can consult " Will a planet be habitable in 250 million years ?"
The origin of the myth of Hercólubus
The story of Hercolubus has its roots in various esoteric sources . It was largely popularized by the writer V.M. Rabolú, who, in his book "Hercolubus or the Red Planet," claimed that this celestial giant would soon approach Earth, causing global catastrophes before disappearing again into the vastness of space. In this regard, it is interesting to explore how some astronomical phenomena have been misinterpreted, which can lead to misguided conclusions.
According to some esoteric interpretations, this planet passed close to Earth in ancient times, causing the destruction of Atlantis and other catastrophic events. However, there is no astronomical evidence to support these claims. In this regard, there is much confusion about past climate events, and it is essential to be aware of how these phenomena may influence the present.
Relationship with Nibiru and other prophecies
One of the most widespread theories links Hercolubus to Nibiru , a supposed planet described by the writer Zecharia Sitchin in his interpretations of Sumerian tablets. According to this hypothesis, Nibiru is an unknown planet that crosses our solar system in cycles of thousands of years, bringing destructive events with it. Of course, theories like this have been discredited, but many people remain interested in the subject of astronomy and its possible implications for Earth.
In 2012, with the arrival of the "end of the world" according to the Mayan calendar, many people revived this myth, claiming that Hercolubus/Nibiru would be the true cause of Earth's destruction . However, none of these claims materialized, and NASA has repeatedly denied the existence of this planet. Currently, space observation has advanced considerably, allowing for the detection of potentially hazardous objects with greater precision.
What impact is attributed to Hercólubus?

Proponents of this theory claim that the planet would have a powerful gravitational effect on Earth . Among the disasters it would supposedly cause are:
- Intense earthquakes and Volcanic eruptions due to its gravitational influence.
- Change in tilt of the earth's axis, causing extreme weather disturbances.
- Tsunamis and tsunamis of unprecedented proportions.
- Unusual astronomical phenomena, such as a “second sun” visible in the sky.
However, the scientific community has explained that there is no astronomical evidence to support such claims. Furthermore, the detection of celestial bodies in our vicinity is becoming increasingly precise, and a planet the size and characteristics of Hercolubus would have been identified long ago. You can read more about how temperature changes can impact the climate in the article on global temperature.
Position of the scientific community
NASA and other astronomical organizations have repeatedly refuted the existence of Hercolubus . They have pointed out that there is no record of a rogue planet on a trajectory that would bring it close to Earth. Any object with a significant gravitational influence would have been detected by telescopes and space probes. This is a crucial issue for understanding modern astronomy and the impact of celestial bodies on Earth.
Furthermore, according to studies on the dynamics of celestial bodies, a planet with the characteristics described in these theories would cause visible effects on the orbits of other nearby stars, which has not occurred. It is essential to understand that theories based on verifiable facts are the ones that truly contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Why does the myth persist?
The myth of Hercolubus remains relevant due to its connection with conspiracy and apocalyptic theories . The idea of a destructive planet hidden by governments fuels the fears of many people and is combined with other astrological and religious myths. Furthermore, some of these theories can be appealing to those seeking answers in an uncertain world.
Social media and some news outlets have contributed to the spread of this idea, generating speculation without scientific basis. Despite constant rebuttals from the scientific community, the mystery attracts those seeking alternative explanations for natural phenomena such as earthquakes or climate change . In this regard, numerous studies analyze how deforestation contributes to worsening global warming, an aspect that deserves attention.
Hercolubus is one of the many modern myths about supposed cosmic dangers that never materialize. Although its story has evolved over time and been associated with various concepts, science has shown that there is no reason to worry about an imminent impact from an unknown planet. We invite you to discover more about this fascinating topic in our Earth curiosities section.
