No one knows how that supposed end is to happen but it isn't stopping them from panic, nor preparing.
Ahead of December 21, which marks the conclusion of the 5,125-year "Long Count" Mayan calendar, panic buying of candles and essentials has been reported in China and Russia, along with an explosion in sales of survival shelters in America. In France believers were preparing to converge on a mountain where they believe aliens will rescue them.
NASA has been trying to stem the hysteria as best they can, calling it a myth and providing discussions on social media to counter the fear. In March they released a video titled "12/21/12 Just Another Day" is below:
From the NASA website:
Beyond 2012: Why the World Won't End
Dec. 21, 2012, won't be the end of the world as we know, however, it will be another winter solstice.
Contrary to some of the common beliefs out there, the claims behind the end of the world quickly unravel when pinned down to the 2012 timeline.
Below, NASA Scientists answer questions on the following 2012 topics:
Beware of scam artists and if you are throwing a Doomsday Party, remember that on December 22, 2012, when the world as we know it is still here, you will be the one cleaning up that mess.