Hawaii, Maui, a paradise of white sand and turquoise sea, has recently been the focus of a different kind of attention. With the sudden and destructive fires on Maui and Hawaii, fueled by strong winds and drought, many have been forced to search for an explanation for the destruction unleashed. And sometimes such searches lead to unexpected conclusions.
The creation of a rumor
Amid the chaos, a photo emerged that quickly made the rounds on the internet. The image appeared to show a laser-like beam of light hitting Maui, Hawaii, just before the devastating Lahaina fires broke out. The network theater began. “A laser caused the fires!” were the headlines. But what is truth and what is fiction?
A look behind the picture: Not Maui!
It's amazing how far-reaching and quickly an image interpretation of just anything can arise and be assigned to a current event. But thanks to a simple image search (Google or Tineye), we were able to locate the original source of this ominous photo.
The reverse image search shed light on the matter. Originally dated May 22, 2018, the image did not show a dangerous laser beam targeting an island. Instead, it featured an impressive rocket launch in California .
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SpaceX, Falcon 9 and a misunderstanding
The truth behind the image is just as impressive, if less conspiratorial. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying NASA's GRACE Follow-On spacecraft lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base. So not Maui, Hawaii, but in California.
The image was not only published by the Alamy photo agency , but also found its way into newsletters and reports about rocket launches. A breathtaking sight, certainly, but a far cry from the idea of a destructive laser.
The clarification
To end the speculation, the image circulating on the Internet definitely shows a rocket launch. A long-term photo of this launch, released by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, confirms this. The beam of light comes from a rocket shooting into space, not from a dangerous laser.
In times of crisis we tend to look for answers. Sometimes these searches lead us into dark and confusing tunnels of misinformation. But we have ways and means to expose false reports. And never before has information been so easily accessible. It's up to us to get to the truth and check the facts.
The Maui Laser Myth is a perfect example of how easy it is to be seduced by an image and the importance of thinking critically and checking sources. At the end of the day, sometimes the truth is more spectacular than fiction.
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can impart media literacy through targeted lectures and workshops. Various target groups such as students, teachers and parents can be reached and sensitized. How do search engines work?
How can I search images? These techniques are particularly helpful for exposing fakes, hoaxes or dangerous hoaxes. NEW! Geoguessing workshops at Mimikama! Turn the search for truth into an exciting adventure with our geoguessing workshop!
What sent the internet into a frenzy : Mysterious rune puzzle: Bernhard Heinzlmaier's shirt at the press conference with Claudia Plakolm
Bernhard Heinzlmaier stood calmly in front of the press, the cameras whirred, the lights were blinding, and Austria watched. However, what caught the audience's attention was not the political message, but the shirt that peeked out from under his jacket. Two runes were evident - Si(e)g and Tyr, symbols used by the Nazis in the past. But what is the real story behind the mysterious shirt?
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )