Heaven's Gate

By giannarmar

  • Founding of Heaven's Gate

    Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles meet and begin teaching a mix of Christianity, New Age beliefs, and UFO theories. They begin recruiting followers who share their vision of transcending the human experience.

  • First Mass Departure Attempt

    A group of followers, led by Applewhite, attempted to leave Earth but failed, believing that their spiritual readiness was insufficient.

  • The Beginning of the Final Phase

    The group becomes more focused on the idea that the "Next Level" could only be achieved by leaving Earth physically. They begin preparing for their final departure.

  • The Hale-Bopp Comet and Final Mass Suicide

    The group believes that the Hale-Bopp comet (visible in the sky in 1997) was a sign that the spacecraft they were waiting for was approaching. On March 26, 1997, 39 members of Heaven's Gate (including Marshall Applewhite) committed suicide in a mass ritual in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

  • Media Attention and Legacy

    Following the mass suicide, Heaven's Gate became widely known. Their story gained significant media coverage and sparked debates about cults, faith, and human belief systems.