2012, directed by Roland Emmerich, is a disaster movie that got it wrong in multiple ways. The film claims that neutrinos are heating the Earth’s core, leading to massive natural disasters. However, scientists know that neutrinos pass through the planet harmlessly and have no electric charge or mass.
The movie’s plot is also based on a misreading of the Mayan calendar, which ended in 2012 but simply showed one cycle ending and another beginning. NASA senior research scientist Don Yeomans said, “I for one love a good book or movie as much as the next guy. But the stuff flying around through cyberspace, TV, and the movies is not based on science.”
The disaster movie industry has a history of getting it wrong, with films like The Core and Armageddon also being criticized for their scientific inaccuracies. However, NASA appreciates the role imagination plays in creating great science fiction.
In contrast, there are sci-fi TV shows that strive to keep things realistic, such as those that explore the challenges of space travel and the importance of scientific literacy. Even old films like Woman in the Moon (1929) get some things right about space exploration, despite being outdated.
The article highlights the mistakes made in 2012 and how NASA is working to correct misinformation, while also acknowledging the value of science fiction in inspiring imagination and creativity.
Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/nasa-named-least-scientifically-accurate-movie-ever