There's been a lot of doomsday prophecies in the past and there will be many more. The latest in line is 2012. Will judgment day come on December 21, 2012? Should you really be concerned about 2012? It would be easy to avoid the issue and advise you to do your own research. There are enough books, tapes, movies, web sites and talk shows on this matter for you to be able to make up your own mind. But, that's the easy way out.

There is definitely something unique and different about the 2012 prediction. For one thing, Nostradamus, the highly regarded 16th century astrologer, alchemist and physician has mentioned it. With the accuracy of his predictions at nearly 50%, most historians and students of prophecy would agree that his writings should be taken seriously. Nostradamus is credited with accurately predicting such events such as the collapse of the Twin Towers, both World Wars and the rise and fall of both Hitler and Napoleon.

Nostradamus wrote about some type of great disturbance, disorder or unrest during the period of 2009 to 2012. He didn't give real specific details but it is evident that it is not something pleasant. Is there any significance to the fact that this prediction aligns with the Mayan Long Count Calendar ending on December 21, 2012. Many researchers believe this marks the end of the world.

It doesn't stop there. Many researchers and prophecy believers have described events in 2012 such as tsunamis, sun storm or solar flares effecting the earths' magnetic field, massive volcanic eruptions and the atom smasher experiment in Europe going badly wrong. Many believers have foretold of widespread death and destruction will unfold in 2012.

Of course, as with anything, there are also skeptics. The skeptics believe that the Mayan culture vanished before they could continue the calendar beyond December 21, 2012. Others believe that the Long Count calendar ends in 2012 since their calendar follows long set of periods unlike every year. Since Nostradamus didn't actually mention the end of the world in 2012, and it seems apparent that his predictions go on for at least a few more hundred years, then 2012 must not be that big of a deal.

What is going to happen on December 21, 2012? No one really knows as it is all speculation. Will we be lucky and that day will come and go just like most other days and have no real significance? Maybe something beyond our control will happen. Each individual should take the time to really consider the facts and decide what they personally should do. Do you need some type of preparation for a possible natural disaster? Should you treat that date just like any other and live your life to the fullest without any more thought of December 21, 2012 than of tomorrow? Until December 21, 2012 arrives all we can really do is wait and watch.