Fact Check: Earth isn't round or flat

Fact Check: "Earth isn't round or flat"

What We Know

The claim that "Earth isn't round or flat" contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus regarding the shape of the Earth. According to the City University of New York, the Earth is described as a spherical shape, specifically an oblate spheroid, which means it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This understanding is supported by a variety of empirical observations. For example, the visibility of distant objects, the shape of the Earth's shadow during lunar eclipses, and the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon all provide evidence for a spherical Earth (Wikipedia).

Historically, various cultures have proposed different shapes for the Earth, including flat and cylindrical forms. However, by the time of the Renaissance, the spherical model had gained widespread acceptance among scholars, largely due to the rediscovery of ancient Greek texts and scientific observations (City University of New York).

Analysis

The assertion that Earth is neither round nor flat lacks credible scientific backing. The spherical shape of Earth is supported by multiple lines of evidence. For instance, during lunar eclipses, the Earth casts a circular shadow on the Moon, which can only occur if the Earth is spherical (Wikipedia). Additionally, observations of stars from different latitudes demonstrate that the Earth must be curved; certain stars are visible only from specific locations, which would not be possible on a flat surface (Wikipedia).

Moreover, the claim may stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of scientific knowledge. A growing number of individuals, particularly in the United States, have adopted flat Earth beliefs despite the scientific evidence against them (Pursuit). This phenomenon has been fueled by social media and the rise of conspiracy theories, which often dismiss established scientific consensus in favor of alternative narratives (Pursuit).

While some sources may present arguments against the spherical model, they often lack rigorous scientific validation and are typically associated with fringe theories that do not hold up under scrutiny (National Center for Science, Journal of Geocentric Cosmology).

Conclusion

The claim that "Earth isn't round or flat" is False. The scientific consensus, supported by extensive empirical evidence, clearly indicates that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. The arguments against this view often arise from misunderstanding or misrepresentation of scientific principles and are not supported by credible evidence.