Frank Hoogerbeets is a self-proclaimed earthquake forecaster who has garnered attention for his predictions of seismic events based on various astronomical and planetary alignments. However, it’s important to approach his claims with skepticism and caution, as his methods and predictions are not supported by mainstream scientific consensus. Here are some key points to consider when assessing the claims of Frank Hoogerbeets:
Sooner or later there will be a ~M 7.5 #earthquake in this region (South-Central Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon). #deprem pic.twitter.com/6CcSnjJmCV
— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) February 3, 2023
- Lack of Scientific Credibility: Frank Hoogerbeets‘ earthquake predictions are not backed by the scientific community or recognized by reputable seismologists or geophysicists. He does not have a formal education in seismology, and his methods have not undergone rigorous peer review.
- Pseudoscientific Methods: Hoogerbeets claims that planetary and celestial alignments, as well as solar activity, can influence seismic activity on Earth. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Seismic activity is primarily driven by the movement of tectonic plates and geological processes within the Earth.
- Lack of Consistency: Hoogerbeets’ predictions have been inconsistent and unreliable. Earthquakes are complex natural phenomena, and attempting to predict them with any degree of accuracy using his methods has not demonstrated a consistent track record of success.
- No Clear Methodology: Hoogerbeets has not provided a transparent and well-documented methodology for his predictions. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for the scientific community to evaluate his claims and for the general public to understand the basis of his predictions.
- Fearmongering: Making earthquake predictions without a solid scientific foundation can create unnecessary fear and anxiety among the public. Hoogerbeets’ predictions have been criticized for capitalizing on people’s concerns about natural disasters.
- The Butterfly Effect: Small perturbations in a complex system like the Earth can have significant and unpredictable effects. While some celestial events can influence Earth’s tides and potentially have minor effects on certain geological processes, the idea that specific planetary alignments can reliably predict earthquakes is not supported by the laws of physics and geology.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by the major earthquake in Central Turkey.
As I stated earlier, sooner or later this would happen in this region, similar to the years 115 and 526. These earthquakes are always preceded by critical planetary geometry, as we had on 4-5 Feb.
— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) February 6, 2023
While Hoogerbeets and SSGOES claimed that planetary alignments play an important role behind earthquakes, netizens remained divided with many claiming that earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance.
Search teams and aid poured into Turkiye and Syria as rescuers working in freezing temperatures and sometimes using their bare hands dug through the remains of buildings flattened by a powerful earthquake. The death toll soared to around 8,000 and was still expected to rise.
In summary, Frank Hoogerbeets’ earthquake predictions should be treated with caution and skepticism. It is important to rely on the expertise of qualified seismologists and geophysicists who use scientifically validated methods to monitor and predict seismic activity. Earthquake forecasting is an ongoing area of research, but it is best left in the hands of those who are trained in the field and use rigorous scientific methods.