Mashable: However, some called him a pseudo-scientist.

Three days before the Turkey-Syria earthquake, on 3rd February, Solar System Geometry Survey’s researcher (SSGEOS), Frank Hoogerbeets, had predicted the calamity. Hoogerbeets, who reads seismic activity, had tweeted that a 7.5 magnitude earthquake will hit South-Central Turkey, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, reports The Khaleej Times.

Many assumed he is a pseudo-scientist and did not pay attention to his research. On 6th February, Turkey and Syria saw a significant earthquake, of 7.8 magnitudes that led to more strong quakes, killing thousands. Even the SSGS predicted the on 2nd February the quake, stating, "Larger seismic activity may occur from 4 to 6 February, most likely up to mid or high 6 magnitudes. There is a slight possibility of a larger seismic event around 4 February."

Soon after the calamity, Hoogerbeets' tweet gained over 131.4K likes, 55.3K retweets, and over 36.5 million views.

Hoogerbeets later tweeted to share his condolences, writing, “My heart goes out to everyone affected by the major earthquake in Central Turkey. As I stated earlier, sooner or later this would happen in this region, similar to the years 115 and 526."

Sooner or later there will be a ~M 7.5 #earthquake in this region (South-Central Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon). #deprem pic.twitter.com/6CcSnjJmCV

— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) February 3, 2023
In another tweet, he explained that earthquakes are “always preceded by critical planetary geometry”.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the major earthquake in Central Turkey.

As I stated earlier, sooner or later this would happen in this region, similar to the years 115 and 526. These earthquakes are always preceded by critical planetary geometry, as we had on 4-5 Feb.

— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) February 6, 2023
Who is Frank Hoogerbeets?

Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGS) is a research institute that keeps a close eye on the “geometry between celestial bodies related to seismic activity”. According to The Washington Post, Hoogerbeets had predicted an earthquake in California, which never occurred. However, his prediction for the 2015 Nepal earthquake came true.

The report also reveals that Hoogerbeets does not have a degree in this department, but is a humble science enthusiast.

Earthquakes yes can be triggered by planetary configurations. Many astrologers do predict them and @hogrbe did too. If science does not want to admit it, then it is their problem. Astrology can do it and @hogrbe called it before any seismologist. Well done Mr. Fank.

— Carmen Chammas (@CarmenChammas) February 6, 2023
Hoogerbeets, however, has been repeatedly ridiculed by people on Twitter, including people from scientific communities. Phil Plait, an astronomer, wrote at Slate in2015, “There is simply no way an alignment of planets can cause an earthquake on Earth. It’s literally impossible.”

He even spoke about how he achieved this conclusion. “I’ve done the math on this before; the maximum combined gravity of all the planets under ideal conditions is still far less than the gravitational influence of the Moon on the Earth, and the Moon at very best has an extremely weak influence on earthquakes.”