Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" challenges the widely accepted scientific consensus that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This claim has gained traction among certain groups, often fueled by conspiracy theories and a distrust of established scientific institutions. This article will explore the available evidence surrounding this claim, critically evaluating the sources and the methodologies behind them.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth was common in ancient civilizations, but empirical evidence, such as observations of ships disappearing over the horizon and the curvature of the Earth seen from high altitudes, has long established the Earth’s spherical shape. According to NASA, navigators historically relied on the Earth's curvature to return home from voyages, which would not be possible if the Earth were flat 2.

2. Scientific Consensus: The overwhelming majority of scientific evidence supports the notion that the Earth is round. This includes satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and the physics of planetary formation 8. The scientific community, including organizations like NASA, consistently refutes flat Earth claims, emphasizing that they are based on misunderstandings or misinterpretations of scientific principles 9.

3. Psychological and Social Factors: Research indicates that belief in flat Earth theories is often linked to broader conspiracy thinking and distrust in scientific authorities 47. A 2020 article in Physics World discusses how such beliefs are gaining traction and the challenges faced by the scientific community in countering them 10.

4. Flat Earth Advocacy: Various sources document the resurgence of flat Earth beliefs, particularly through social media platforms. A guide from the Library of Congress lists references and materials related to flat Earth advocacy, highlighting the organized nature of these movements 35.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and interpretations of personal observations rather than rigorous scientific data. For example, flat Earth proponents often cite personal experiences or misinterpretations of physics to argue their case. However, these claims are typically not supported by empirical evidence or peer-reviewed research.

Source Evaluation

• NASA: The source from NASA is credible and authoritative, as it is a leading scientific organization with access to extensive data and research on Earth's shape and structure 2. Their explanations are grounded in scientific observation and historical navigation practices.

• Scientific American: This source provides a well-researched overview of flat Earth beliefs and their psychological underpinnings, making it a reliable source for understanding the social dynamics involved 7. However, it is essential to note that it may present a bias against conspiracy theories, which could influence its portrayal of flat Earth advocates.

• Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can be a good starting point for general information, it is not always a reliable source due to its open-editing nature. The entry on flat Earth summarizes historical and scientific perspectives but should be cross-referenced with primary sources for accuracy 6.

• USA Today: This fact-checking article provides a roundup of scientific evidence disproving flat Earth claims, making it a reliable source for debunking misinformation 9. However, as a news outlet, it may have a bias towards promoting scientific consensus.

• Pursuit: This article discusses the psychological aspects of flat Earth belief, which is valuable for understanding why some individuals reject scientific evidence. However, it may not provide direct evidence against the flat Earth claim itself 4.

• Physics World: This source critically examines the rise of flat Earth beliefs and the responses from the scientific community, making it a credible source for understanding contemporary challenges in science communication 10.

Additional Information Needed

To further evaluate the claim that the Earth is flat, additional information would be beneficial, including:

• Empirical Studies: More peer-reviewed studies examining the psychological and sociological factors contributing to flat Earth belief could provide deeper insights into this phenomenon.
• Counterarguments: A comprehensive analysis of the arguments presented by flat Earth advocates, along with scientific rebuttals, would help clarify the debate.
• Public Perception Data: Surveys or studies that quantify public belief in flat Earth theories across different demographics could shed light on the prevalence and distribution of these beliefs.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the 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 conclusion includes historical navigational practices that rely on the Earth's curvature, extensive satellite imagery, and gravitational measurements that all affirm the spherical nature of our planet. Furthermore, the scientific community, including reputable organizations like NASA, consistently debunks flat Earth claims, attributing them to misunderstandings of scientific principles.

It is important to note that while the evidence against flat Earth theories is robust, the persistence of such beliefs can be attributed to psychological and social factors, including conspiracy thinking and distrust in scientific authorities. This context highlights the complexities surrounding the acceptance of scientific consensus.

However, limitations exist in the available evidence, particularly regarding the psychological motivations behind flat Earth beliefs. More empirical studies are needed to fully understand why some individuals reject well-established scientific facts.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the credibility of sources when encountering claims that challenge established scientific knowledge.

Sources

1. The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8023606/
2. How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53 https://www.nasa.gov/earth/how-do-we-know-the-earth-isnt-flat-we-asked-a-nasa-expert-episode-53/
3. The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References https://guides.loc.gov/flat-earth
4. Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? - Pursuit https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-do-some-people-believe-the-earth-is-flat
5. Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ... https://guides.loc.gov/flat-earth/articles
6. Flat Earth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Earth
7. Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why | Scientific American https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/flat-earthers-what-they-believe-and-why/
8. Flat Earth | Theory, Model, Meaning, & Facts | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/flat-Earth
9. Fact check roundup: Proof that the Earth is round - USA TODAY https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2022/12/07/fact-check-roundup-what-scientists-say-flat-earth-evidence/10802218002/
10. Fighting flat-Earth theory https://physicsworld.com/a/fighting-flat-earth-theory/