It is likely a hoax...however...that being said, the solar system will align itself with the equator of the galactic center on that date, which happens every 26,000 years. If the 2012 date is true, and I say IF, you will see change occurring throughout the world even before that time, such as earth quakes, weather changes, ice caps melting, and these would be extreme--not your normal occurrences. The occurrence's would increase with intensity in the coming months and years till 2012, if the story is true...so look for the signs, and ignore the hype. Many are quick to disbelieve and mock the story, but they have no more idea what will happen at that time than anyone, and so they choose to disbelieve..as for me..I will watch the earth stress signs. If this occurrence is to happen, we will soon see drastic signs of its impending emergence, as our solar system takes its 26,000 year dip into the center line of direct gravity to the plane of our Milky way galaxy. This transition is not a guess..but a fact well known by scientists...what is NOT known, is what the results of it will be.