I don't know if anyone has mentioned this hoax that scientists perpetuated on Christians
Scientists perpetuated on Christians? Read the bit you posted again, greentwiga. Mr Hill, who spread the story, appears to have been a lay speaker in evangelical circles: nothing is mentioned about any science background he may have had. And Dr Totten, who originated the idea in 1890, was a professor of Military Science and Tactics who predicted the End of Times before 1899....
Linky
"The wretched world lies now under the tyranny of foolishness; things are believed by Christians of such absurdity as no one ever could aforetime induce the heathen to believe." - Agobard of Lyons,
ca. 830 AD