Mmastodon ScienceScience first seen 7 h ago, last 7 h ago, peak #5
A 1960 Mathematical Prediction That Population Would Hit Infinity
Original: In 1960, Mathematicians Predicted that Earth's Population Would Reach Infinity on a Friday Next Month https://nautil.us/
A 1960 paper by mathematicians Heinz von Foerster, Patricia Mora and Larry Amiot modelled human population growth as accelerating so fast that it would technically become infinite on Friday, 13 November 2026. The tongue-in-cheek 'Doomsday equation' is recirculating as the predicted date approaches, with commentators noting it was satire about unrestrained exponential growth rather than a serious forecast.
Why now: The absurd predicted 'infinite population' date falls next month, prompting renewed discussion as it approaches.
Heinz von FoersterPatricia MoraLarry AmiotNautilus
Evidence
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1543106