Fact Check: "지구는 평평하다"
What We Know
The claim that "the Earth is flat" (지구는 평평하다) is a long-standing belief that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. The idea of a flat Earth is known as Flat Earth Theory, which posits that the Earth is not a globe but rather a flat plane. Historically, this belief was common until the 4th century BC when philosophers like Aristotle provided evidence for a spherical Earth. For instance, Aristotle noted the circular shadow of the Earth on the Moon during a lunar eclipse as evidence of its round shape (source-1).
Modern science has overwhelmingly confirmed the Earth's spherical nature through various means, including satellite imagery and observations of planetary bodies, which show that all other planets are spherical (source-3). Additionally, phenomena such as the gradual disappearance of ships over the horizon and the varying visibility of constellations in different hemispheres further support the spherical Earth model (source-1).
Analysis
The Flat Earth Theory lacks credible scientific support and is often based on misconceptions and cherry-picked observations. Proponents of this theory argue that visual perception and anecdotal evidence suggest a flat Earth. However, these claims are countered by extensive scientific data and experiments. For example, the phenomenon of ships disappearing hull-first over the horizon is a clear indication of the Earth's curvature (source-1).
Furthermore, the scientific community has conducted numerous experiments that debunk flat Earth claims. For instance, the Bedford Level experiment, which was misinterpreted by flat Earth advocates, actually confirmed the curvature of the Earth when properly analyzed (source-3). The reliability of sources promoting the flat Earth theory is often questionable, as they tend to rely on anecdotal evidence and ignore established scientific principles.
In contrast, reputable scientific organizations and educational institutions consistently affirm the Earth's spherical shape, supported by a wealth of empirical evidence. The consensus among physicists and geoscientists is that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, not flat (source-6).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "the Earth is flat" is false. It contradicts established scientific understanding and evidence. The overwhelming consensus among scientists, supported by centuries of research and observation, confirms that the Earth is a sphere. The arguments put forth by flat Earth proponents are based on misconceptions and lack scientific validity.
Sources
- 지평설 - 위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전
- Imperdibles: las frases más recordadas de Diego Maradona
- [우주이야기/음모론] 지구평평설: 과학적 검증과 논란](https://mr2-lee.tistory.com/34)
- [핫클립] 지구평평론 - 경험만 믿기로 결심한 결과 / YTN](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vAeRraJ28A)
- Maradona: la historia de la canción de la Mano de Dios | Antena 2
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