Fact Check: "Did the earth is flat or no?"
What We Know
The claim that the Earth is flat has been debunked through centuries of scientific observation and evidence. Historical observations by ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, demonstrated that the Earth is round based on the way celestial bodies move and cast shadows. For example, they noted that during lunar eclipses, the Earth casts a round shadow on the Moon, which is only possible if the Earth is spherical (NASA).
Modern science further supports this conclusion through various methods, including satellite imagery and gravitational studies. The force of gravity acts uniformly towards the center of mass, which naturally forms a sphere, as explained by scientists like Jason Steffen from UNLV. He emphasizes that all planets observed in our solar system are spherical, reinforcing the understanding that the Earth is also round (UNLV).
Additionally, empirical evidence such as the curvature observed from high altitudes and the inability to see the North Star from the Southern Hemisphere further supports the spherical nature of the Earth (Ask An Earth and Space Scientist).
Analysis
The evidence against the flat Earth theory is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. NASA, a leading authority in space exploration, provides clear explanations about the Earth's shape based on both historical and modern observations. Their expert insights highlight how ancient mariners utilized the Earth's roundness to navigate oceans without falling off the edge, a concept that is fundamentally flawed if the Earth were flat (NASA).
The UNLV article discusses scientific principles that explain why the Earth must be round, citing gravitational forces and the behavior of celestial bodies as key factors. This source is credible, as it comes from a university with a strong emphasis on scientific research and education (UNLV).
Moreover, the empirical evidence provided by various scientific disciplines, including astronomy and physics, consistently supports the spherical model of the Earth. Observations of lunar eclipses and the visibility of distant objects also serve as practical demonstrations of the Earth's curvature (Wikipedia).
While there are individuals and groups that promote the flat Earth theory, their arguments often lack scientific backing and rely on misconceptions or anecdotal evidence. This raises questions about their credibility and the motivations behind their claims (Pursuit).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Earth is flat is false. Extensive scientific evidence from various fields, including astronomy, physics, and historical observations, confirms that the Earth is a sphere. The understanding of the Earth's shape is supported by both ancient knowledge and modern scientific advancements, making the notion of a flat Earth untenable.
Sources
- How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53
- Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is ...
- How Do We Know the Earth Is Round? - Ask An Earth and Space Scientist
- Is the Earth round?
- 90 Years of Our Changing Views of Earth
- Is The Earth Flat Or Round - Columbia Engineering Hub
- Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? - Pursuit
- Empirical evidence for the spherical shape of Earth - Wikipedia