THERE are now just 18 days to go until the end of the world, if you heed the warnings of certain believers.

That is because, on December 21, the ancient Mayan calendar will come to an end – a date that many people think will coincide with planet Earth’s Armageddon.

And with the future apparently looking so bleak, it is time to continue the countdown by turning the clock back to your past, in a bid to find solace and celebrate today like it is your 18th birthday again.

Knock back your first legal alcoholic beverage, have a flutter down the local bookies, get a tattoo without asking for parental permission, or even write up your will – although depending on what happens in 18 days’ time, this could potentially be a waste of time.

Alternatively, for the budding musicians or science buffs among you, we have another challenge to pose before the world’s end.

With 18 groups in the period table, there is just about enough time left to learn The Elements Song, made famous by Tom Lehrer, back in 1959.

With 102 elements to learn, there is little time to waste.

There is antimony, arsenic, aluminium, selenium, and hydrogen and oxygen and nitrogen and rhenium – you get the idea.

And if you need any tips, just watch Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe work his magic on the song, before perfecting a cover version of your own.