What is a conspiracy theory that you believe in? At least 50% of Americans believe in at least one.  Here are two popular theories. Are you a believer or not?      

Did the moon landing really happen, or was it all filmed in a Hollywood studio? Some people believe that the moon landing was faked and was just filmed here on Earth. Others claim that it is fake due to certain unexplainable details, such as when the astronauts place the American Flag on the moon and how the flag appears to continue waving throughout the video footage, which should not occur due to the lack of atmosphere on the moon. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, “The flag was not an ordinary cloth banner. It was designed with a horizontal rod extending from the flagpole to keep it unfurled. The ripples in the fabric are permanent wrinkles from being folded tightly during the trip to the Moon.” People who believe that the moon landing was faked say they notice shadows in some photos that seem to run in different directions, which supposedly shows that multiple light sources, like those in a film studio, were used. According to History.com, the lunar ground, which reflects the sun’s light could cause multiple shadows. In the Apollo 11 pictures, Rick Fienberg, the press officer for the American Astronomical Society, who holds a PhD in astronomy, says, “the sunlight is being scattered or reflected off the ground every which way, and some of it—a small fraction but enough to be able to see—scatters into the shadows.” This explains the reason behind the multiple shadows.   

I would rate this as 2 out of 5 stars for believability because all of the reasons that people think the moon landing was fake could also have a scientific explanation behind them.  

Are aliens real? If so, did they build the ancient pyramids? Believers of this conspiracy seem to agree that it is plausible that aliens built the pyramids.  They believe this because ancient civilizations didn’t have the technological ability to create such monumental intricate structures. Conspiracists believe that the Egyptians didn’t have the technology to build those pyramids.  The stones were too heavy to move, shape, and assemble. This can be debunked by egyptologists because ramps, sledges, ropes, and levers were allegedly used to move the stones. Recent research shows that wetting the sand in front of a sledge dramatically reduces friction, making it easier to drag heavy blocks. Another reason that people think that the pyramids were made by aliens is because the pyramids align almost perfectly with cardinal directions and constellations like Orion’s Belt. We can accept that this could not be true because the ancient Egyptians were highly skilled astronomers. The pyramids may have aligned perfectly with those constellations because the ancient Egyptians were observing the movements of circumpolar stars. 

I would give this conspiracy a 3 out of 5-star rating for believability. I feel that if there really were aliens, it would be revealed through their hieroglyphics, or somewhere documented in their written history.  

If anything, these theories, among many others, might influence you to think outside of the box and ask questions. Are all these conspiracy theories possible? Well, that is up to you to decide!