Fact Check: "No tnhe eart is rond"
What We Know
The claim that "the Earth is round" is supported by a substantial body of scientific evidence. Historical observations date back to the ancient Greeks, who inferred the Earth's spherical shape based on various phenomena, such as the curved shadow it casts on the Moon during lunar eclipses (NASA). Additionally, modern photography from high altitudes and space has provided clear visual evidence of the Earth's curvature. For instance, the first photograph showing the curvature of the Earth was taken from an altitude of 21,000 feet in 1930, revealing that distant mountains were below the expected horizon if the Earth were flat (NASA).
Further, while the Earth appears round from space, it is more accurately described as an oblate spheroid due to its equatorial bulge caused by rotation (NOAA). This shape is a result of gravitational forces acting on the Earth's mass, which leads to a slightly flattened shape at the poles and a bulge at the equator (NASA).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the Earth's roundness is robust and derived from multiple reliable sources. NASA's historical documentation provides a comprehensive overview of how our understanding of Earth's shape has evolved, emphasizing the significance of photographic evidence from various altitudes (NASA). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also clarifies that while the Earth is not a perfect sphere, it is predominantly round, further reinforcing the scientific consensus (NOAA).
Moreover, the claim that the Earth is flat contradicts observable phenomena, such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon and the varying visibility of stars in different hemispheres. These observations can be directly tested and are consistent with a spherical Earth model (ASU).
In contrast, sources that promote the idea of a flat Earth often lack scientific rigor and rely on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of physical laws. For instance, while some discussions about the Earth's shape acknowledge its irregularities, they do not support the claim that it is flat (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that "the Earth is round" is overwhelmingly supported by scientific evidence, including historical observations, photographic proof, and physical laws. The assertion that the Earth is flat is false and contradicts well-established scientific understanding. Therefore, the verdict is False.
Sources
- 90 Years of Our Changing Views of Earth - NASA
- Is the Earth round? - NOAA
- How Do We Know the Earth Is Round? - ASU
- Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is ... - UNLV
- Is Earth round? Why is Earth round and not flat? - ABOUT SCIENCE
- Spherical Earth - Wikipedia
- The Earth is not round (but it's not flat either) - BBC
- Empirical evidence for the spherical shape of Earth - Wikipedia