What Is The ‘Doomsday Clock’ & How Does It Actually Work?
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic timepiece showing how close the world is to ending.
Atomic scientists reset the Doomsday Clock every January.
Midnight marks the theoretical point of annihilation.
Apocalyptic threats could arise from political tensions, weapons, technology, climate change or pandemic illness.
The clock’s hands are moved closer to or further away from midnight based on the scientists’ reading of existential threats.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists updates the time annually based on information about catastrophic risks to the planet and humanity.
At 90 seconds to midnight, the Doomsday Clock is the closest it has ever been to midnight.
The clock was first set at 90 seconds to midnight in 2023 to reflect the danger posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Most are familiar with the Doomsday Clock that counts down humanity’s potential for self-destruction amid global threats. Currently set at 89 seconds to midnight, the new 2026 timings will be revealed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
But did you know there’s also a Doomsday Plane and a so-called Doomsday Fish?
Here’s what to know about these signs of impending doom, including more details about the Doomsday Clock.
Oarfish foreshadows natural disaster
A rare, deep-water, oarfish swims up to beachgoers in shallow water
Beachgoers in Mexico were surprised to see a rare oarfish in shallow waters, in Japanese folklore an oarfish sighting is a symbol of impending doom.
While an oarfish sighting does serve as symbol of “impending doom,” the catastrophe its presence in shallow waters foreshadows is earthquake, not so much “end days.” But terrifying, nonetheless.
Multiple fish have been spotted along the Southern California coastline, Mexico and in Taiwan, approximately five in total since 2023.
According to travel outlet Atlas Obscura, legend says the fish, also known as “ryugu no tsukai,” belonged to the servants of sea god Ryūjin and served messengers of the palace, warning people of earthquakes by surfacing in shallow waters.
Doomsday Plane built to only protect president, staff
A “sign” that is more indicative of an impending apocalypse than not is the construction of another nuclear attack proof aircraft, nicknamed the “Doomsday Plane.”
According to a May 2024 report from the Reno Gazette Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, Sierra Nevada Corp. landed a “multibillion-dollar award” from the U.S. Air Force to develop a newer E-4B Nightwatch aircraft.
The Doomsday Plane is intended to serve as an “aerial command center” for the president, the secretary of defense and the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during national emergencies.
The Air Force is expected to receive the next-generation E-4B replacement by 2036. The “Doomsday” plane was spotted earlier this month, inciting some healthy concern, after it flew over parts of the country.
Will the Doomsday Clock be adjusted? And when?
According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the 2026 Doomsday Clock time will be revealed at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Scientists and world experts are slated to offer insights about the time itself, specifically why it’s ticked closer to, or away from midnight.
The closer to a setting of midnight, the higher the likelihood of a man-made global catastrophe, especially global nuclear war.
Created in 1947, the Doomsday Clock was created to convey threats to humanity and the Earth using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero).
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY and Seth Jacobson, USA TODAY NETWORK – New England
