Well this was definitely one of mu favorites and the one I found most interesting during my research. So this one might be a long one. Heaven’s Gate was a religious group founded in the early 1970s by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. The cult gained notoriety in March 1997 when 39 members died in a mass suicide in Rancho Santa Fe, California, believing they would be transported to an extraterrestrial spacecraft following their deaths. The group's ideology was a blend of Christianity, New Age beliefs, and UFO theories, which led to its unique and sometimes bizarre practices and teachings. Heaven's Gate was originally made from the charismatic leadership of Marshall Applewhite, a man who had a background in music and who later became a leader in spiritual exploration, and Bonnie Nettles, a registered nurse with an interest in spirituality and theosophy. The two met in 1972 and formed a close bond, developing a shared set of beliefs that led them to form the group. They claimed to have received messages from extraterrestrial beings and believed that they were the "two witnesses" of Revelation from the Bible. By the time 1975 rolded around, Applewhite and Nettles set out to recruit followers, asserting that Earth was about to be recycled due to planetary changes, and that the only way to survive was to leave with the spacecraft that they claimed was following Comet Hale-Bopp. Basically the whole group was brainwashed into think the world was ending and the only way they could be safe is mass suicide. Some of the many Beliefs and Teachings of Heaven's Gate's well see the teachings were a unique synthesis of various religious and philosophical ideas. Central to their belief system was the idea that the human body is merely a vessel or container for a spiritual essence. They viewed life on Earth as a sort of test and believed that they could ascend to a higher level of existence through a process of purification. Another interesting thing Heaven's Gate members believed in a Next Level of existence that could be accessed after death. They thought this realm was populated by advanced, extraterrestrial beings who had transcended their human forms. The group believed in the concept of reincarnation but rejected the idea of returning to a physical existence after achieving their ultimate transformation into the Next Level. They believed that one could ascend only by shedding earthly attachments and desires. Now sher where the ufo thing comes from is, Applewhite and Nettles taught that their group was the chosen few who could ascend with a spacecraft. They often referred to UFOs and claimed that extraterrestrial beings were guiding them. Some other yhings that happened was Heaven's Gate mandated strict rules regarding behavior, relationships, and personal conduct. Members were encouraged to abstain from personal relationships and physical or sexual intimacy, as such behaviors were seen as distractions from their spiritual path. Meaning they could be with or do anything with ANYONE who wasn't apart of Heavens Gate. They also had an extreme belief in salvation primarily revolved around the idea of "taking a leap of faith" to join the Next Level. This required members to follow Applewhite's teachings and ultimately participate in the group’s collective suicide to reach the promised ascension.Now, Heaven’s Gate operated very much like a traditional religious group, despite its unconventional beliefs. Members would often refer to themselves as the crew or the class, which fostered a sense of teamwork and unity among them. The leadership was strongly hierarchical, with Applewhite and Nettles at the top. Now Nettles' actually died in 1985 from cancer, Applewhite took sole control. He crafted a disciplined environment where obedience was paramount, and members were often subjected to intense indoctrination.
As for their daily life or life style Members of Heaven’s Gate lived communally, engaging in regular study, prayer, and meditation. They adhered to a highly regimented schedule that included dietary restrictions, uniforms (which included identical attire), and strictly monitored daily routines. Members often utilized technology to spread their message, including creating videos and maintaining a website.

As the group became increasingly isolated and dedicated to their beliefs, the arrival of Hale-Bopp Comet in 1997 led to intense speculation about the anticipated extraterrestrial journey. Members believed that a spacecraft was trailing the comet and that they would ascend to the Next Level once they left their earthly bodies. On March 26, 1997, members of Heaven's Gate participated in a mass suicide in their Rancho Santa Fe commune. Each member ingested a lethal mixture of phenobarbital and vodka, followed by the application of plastic bags over their heads to ensure death. The event was meticulously planned, with members leaving behind notes that expressed their beliefs and the need to leave for a higher existence.The event garnered nationwide attention and raised issues about cult behavior, mental health, and the allure of charismatic leadership. It became a media sensation, contributing significantly to increased public awareness of cult dynamics and the dangers associated with extreme belief systems.