Fact Check: "The Earth is Banana Shaped"
What We Know
The claim that "the Earth is banana shaped" is a humorous and satirical assertion rather than a scientifically supported fact. The Earth is widely recognized by the scientific community as an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. This shape has been confirmed through various methods, including satellite imagery and measurements of gravitational fields (Ajuda do Google Earth, Update Google Earth Pro).
The notion of the Earth being shaped like a banana appears to stem from memes or jokes rather than serious scientific discourse. For instance, a discussion on a forum humorously referenced the Earth as "banana-shaped," but this was not based on any credible scientific evidence (Explain to me again, how we know the Earth to be banana ...).
Analysis
The claim lacks any credible scientific backing and is not supported by any reputable sources. The idea of the Earth being banana-shaped seems to be part of a broader trend of absurd theories that circulate on social media and forums, often intended for comedic effect rather than serious consideration (Do You Believe in the Donut-Earth Theory? | Al Bawaba).
While there are discussions about alternative theories regarding the shape of the Earth, such as the "Donut-Earth Theory," these are also not taken seriously by the scientific community. The sources discussing these theories often highlight their absurdity, indicating that they are not meant to be factual claims (Do You Believe in the Donut-Earth Theory? | Al Bawaba).
In contrast, established scientific literature and data consistently affirm the Earth's oblate spheroid shape, supported by extensive research and observational data. The reliability of sources discussing the Earth's shape, such as those from Google Earth and scientific literature, is high, while the sources discussing the banana shape lack credibility and are often satirical in nature.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "the Earth is banana shaped" is not supported by any scientific evidence and is primarily a humorous or satirical statement. The Earth is scientifically recognized as an oblate spheroid, and any assertions to the contrary are not based on credible research or data.
