Fact Check: Earth is flat

The Claim: "Earth is flat"

The assertion that "Earth is flat" has gained traction among certain groups, often referred to as "flat Earthers." This belief contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. Proponents of the flat Earth theory argue that the planet's appearance and their personal observations suggest a flat surface, while mainstream science maintains that extensive empirical data confirms a spherical Earth. This article examines the claim, the evidence surrounding it, and the reliability of the sources discussing the topic.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The notion of a flat Earth was prevalent in many ancient cultures but was largely replaced by the understanding of a spherical Earth due to empirical observations and scientific advancements. For instance, ancient Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle provided early evidence for a spherical Earth based on observations of lunar eclipses and the horizon 6.

2. Scientific Consensus: The scientific community overwhelmingly supports the view that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. NASA and other scientific organizations provide extensive evidence, including satellite imagery and data from space missions, that demonstrate the Earth's curvature 29.

3. Flat Earth Beliefs: Despite the scientific consensus, some individuals maintain that the Earth is flat, often citing personal observations and mistrust of scientific authorities. A 2019 article discusses the psychological and social factors that contribute to the persistence of flat Earth beliefs, linking them to broader conspiracy theories 47.

4. Empirical Evidence: Numerous experiments and observations support the spherical Earth model. For example, the phenomenon of ships disappearing hull-first over the horizon and the way different stars are visible from different latitudes are consistent with a spherical Earth 89.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and a rejection of established scientific principles.

• Source Evaluation:

  • NASA's Explanation: The NASA article provides a historical context and scientific reasoning for the Earth's shape, relying on empirical data and expert testimony. NASA is a credible source, given its extensive research and data collection regarding Earth and space 2.
  • Scientific American: The podcast discusses the psychological aspects of flat Earth beliefs, suggesting that these beliefs are intertwined with conspiracy theories. This source is credible as it is published by a well-respected science magazine 7.
  • Wikipedia and Britannica: Both provide a summary of the flat Earth theory and its historical context, but they should be approached with caution due to potential bias and the collaborative nature of Wikipedia. However, they do cite credible sources and provide a general overview of the topic 68.
  • USA Today Fact Check: This source offers a roundup of evidence disproving flat Earth claims, relying on scientific consensus and empirical data. It is a reputable news organization, making it a reliable source for fact-checking 9.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some proponents of flat Earth theories may have personal or ideological motivations that could bias their interpretations of evidence. For example, social media platforms often amplify these beliefs, which can lead to echo chambers that reinforce existing biases 410.

• Methodological Concerns: Many flat Earth claims lack rigorous scientific methodology. They often rely on personal observations or misinterpretations of scientific data, which can lead to erroneous conclusions. For instance, the argument that photographic evidence from space is inadmissible fails to consider the extensive verification processes involved in such imagery 10.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Earth is flat" is false, as it contradicts a substantial body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes historical observations by ancient philosophers, extensive empirical data from NASA and other scientific organizations, and observable phenomena such as the curvature of the Earth and the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon.

It is important to recognize that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs often stems from psychological and social factors, including distrust of scientific authorities and the influence of conspiracy theories. While the sources evaluated in this article are generally credible, the flat Earth movement relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and misinterpretations of scientific data, which undermines its validity.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The flat Earth theory persists in certain communities, suggesting that belief systems can be resistant to factual refutation. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need for individuals to evaluate information carefully, especially in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly.

Readers are encouraged to approach claims critically and seek out reliable sources to form well-informed conclusions.

Sources

1. Filippo, M. (2021). The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... Retrieved from PMC
2. NASA. (n.d.). How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53. Retrieved from NASA
3. Freitag, R. S. (1998). The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Retrieved from Library of Congress
4. Pursuit. (2019). Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Retrieved from Pursuit
5. Library of Congress. (n.d.). Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ... Retrieved from Library of Congress
6. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Flat Earth. Retrieved from Wikipedia
7. Scientific American. (n.d.). Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why. Retrieved from Scientific American
8. Britannica. (n.d.). Flat Earth | Theory, Model, Meaning, & Facts. Retrieved from Britannica
9. USA Today. (2022). Fact check roundup: Proof that the Earth is round. Retrieved from USA Today
10. IFLScience. (n.d.). Seven Things That "Prove" The Earth Is Flat, According To ... Retrieved from IFLScience