This hoax came out of nowhere, but like a virus, it spread throughout the internet like wildfire.  The story starts off when Blossom Goodchild, a self-proclaimed psychic medium, claims that she is in contact with an benevolent alien race known as the Federation of Light.  Goodchild claimed that the race was channeling their messages through her. 

She then reported through her website that the extraterrestrials would make themselves known on October 14, 2008 for all the world to see for 72 hours. This supposed mass UFO sighting would draw a lot of attention via internet because a specific date for the event was actually given.  Because of the date alone, Goodchild's credibility was on the line and many had no way of determining if what she was saying was fact.  If Goodchild was making it all up, why would she give a specific date which in turn could ruin her credibility if the even didn't happen. 

As the day of October 14, 2008 hit, thousands of web surfers and stargazers searched for any signs of contact.  As the next day rolled in, everyone would soon realize they had been duped and all this was nothing more than a false prophecy.  Though it may have been disheartening for many believers, it has definitely taught people to be more skeptical when it comes to dates.  Goodchild would later make a video explaining why the extraterrestrials didn't show up, and let others know she was confused as well.  Whether or not Goodchild genuinely believed aliens were speaking to her, just be glad she didn't get a band of followers and force them to drink kool-aid spiked with cyanide to coincide with the date.