Fact Check: earth is flat

Fact Check: "The Earth is Flat"

What We Know

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is a widely debunked notion that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence. Historical observations by ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, demonstrated that the Earth is round based on the way the stars and the Sun moved across the sky. They recognized that these celestial phenomena could only be explained by a spherical Earth, as noted in a NASA explanation. Additionally, modern science has confirmed the Earth's shape through various means, including satellite imagery and space exploration, which show the Earth as a round object.

Scientific consensus supports that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This understanding is based on extensive research and evidence from various fields, including astronomy, physics, and geology. For instance, the Encyclopedia Britannica states that the flat Earth model is an archaic and scientifically disproven conception.

Analysis

The flat Earth theory is often propagated by individuals who exhibit confirmation bias, selectively interpreting information to support their beliefs while disregarding contradicting evidence. This cognitive bias is highlighted in a study discussing the influence of misinformation in various fields, including physiotherapy, where unsupported theories can gain traction (Maselli & Mourad, 2021).

The reliability of sources promoting the flat Earth theory is generally low. Many proponents rely on anecdotal evidence or misinterpret scientific data, while credible scientific institutions, such as NASA, provide robust evidence supporting the Earth's roundness. For example, NASA's expert commentary outlines how the spherical nature of the Earth has been confirmed through centuries of observation and modern technology (NASA, 2025).

In contrast, articles discussing flat Earth beliefs often focus on the psychological and sociological aspects of why some individuals cling to these ideas, rather than presenting factual evidence (Pursuit, 2019). This indicates that the belief in a flat Earth is more about social dynamics and cognitive biases than scientific validity.

Conclusion

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is False. It contradicts overwhelming scientific evidence and historical observations that demonstrate the Earth’s spherical shape. The persistence of this belief can be attributed to cognitive biases and misinformation rather than factual accuracy. Reliable sources, including NASA and scientific literature, consistently affirm the Earth's roundness, making the flat Earth theory an unfounded assertion.