9/11 Candlelight Vigil to Be Photographed from Space
Netlore Archive: False email rumors say the U.S. is urging Americans to stand outside with candles 'tonight' so the vigil can be photographed via satellite.
Description: Email hoax
Circulating since: Sept. 17, 2001
Status: False
Example #1:
Email text contributed by Sreenath S., Sep. 17, 2001:
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Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 17:30:32 -0400 10:30 EASTERN TIME -- 9:30 Central -- 8:30 Mountain -- 7:30 Pacific |
Example #2:
Email text contributed by VISI, Sep. 18, 2001:
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Tuesday, September 18, 2001 9:52 AM 10:30 EASTERN TIME.... 9:30 Central, 8:30 Mountain,7:30 Pacific |
Example #3:
Email text contributed by Reggie, Sep. 18, 2001:
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Broadcasted on the Radio: To: People in The U S A This message originated from an individual at NASA : U.S. has asked that everyone step out on their lawns tonight (Tuesday September 18th) and light a candle. They will be taking a satellite picture of the U.S. and posting it on the news tomorrow morning. Please pass this on to as many people as soon as possible. |
We don't know where the misinformation originated, but apart from last Friday's (September 14) official Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks - when many people did stand outside their homes with candles - there has been no plan announced by the U.S. government for a nationwide vigil, nor any mention of photographing such an event by satellite.
Three further points:
- At 7:30 Pacific time it's still daylight on the west coast.
- All the electric lighting across the country would have to be turned off in order for the candlelight to be visible from a distance.
- It's questionable in the first place whether candlelight would be visible from outer space.
There's certainly no harm in people participating in such a vigil if they choose, but be advised that the email messages are misinformed. This is not an officially sanctioned event.
