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 in certain circles, particularly among individuals who identify as "Flat Earthers." They often argue against established scientific evidence, proposing alternative interpretations of observations and phenomena. This article will explore the available evidence and perspectives surrounding this claim without reaching a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth was more prevalent in ancient civilizations, but empirical observations, such as those made by ancient Greek mathematicians, established that the Earth is spherical. This understanding has been reinforced by centuries of scientific inquiry and exploration, including the voyages of mariners who navigated the globe successfully, which would have been impossible if the Earth were flat 15.

2. Scientific Consensus: The overwhelming consensus among scientists is that the Earth is round. Numerous lines of evidence support this, including satellite imagery, the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon, and the phenomenon of lunar eclipses where the Earth casts a round shadow on the moon 68.

3. Flat Earth Advocacy: Despite the scientific evidence, there is a movement that promotes the flat Earth theory. This group often relies on anecdotal evidence and claims of conspiracies against mainstream science. For instance, they argue that photographic evidence from space is manipulated or fabricated 46.

4. Psychological and Sociological Factors: Research indicates that belief in the flat Earth theory may be linked to broader anti-establishment sentiments and distrust in scientific institutions 39. This suggests that the appeal of flat Earth beliefs may not solely stem from a misunderstanding of science but also from a psychological need to challenge authority.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is supported by a small but vocal group that often utilizes selective evidence and anecdotal experiences to bolster their arguments. For example, they may cite the appearance of a flat horizon from high altitudes or the behavior of water as evidence against a spherical Earth 8. However, these claims have been thoroughly debunked by scientific explanations regarding perspective and gravity.

Source Evaluation

• NASA: The NASA source 1 provides credible information based on empirical data and scientific research. NASA is a reputable organization with a long history of space exploration and scientific inquiry, making its assertions about the Earth's shape reliable.

• Scientific American: Articles from Scientific American 38 are peer-reviewed and authored by experts in the field, which adds to their credibility. They also provide context about the psychological aspects of flat Earth belief, which is crucial for understanding the phenomenon.

• USA Today: The fact-checking roundup from USA Today 6 compiles evidence against flat Earth claims, relying on scientific consensus and expert opinions. This source is generally considered reliable for fact-checking.

• EBSCO Research Starters: This source 10 provides a historical overview of the flat Earth concept but lacks the depth of scientific analysis found in more specialized sources.

• IFLScience: While IFLScience 4 presents a critical view of flat Earth claims, it is essential to note that it may have a bias against pseudoscientific beliefs, which could influence its presentation of evidence.

Conflicts of Interest

Some sources advocating for the flat Earth theory may have underlying agendas, such as promoting a particular worldview or skepticism towards scientific institutions. This can lead to selective use of evidence and misinterpretation of scientific principles.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To further evaluate the claim that the Earth is flat, additional empirical studies examining the psychological motivations behind flat Earth beliefs would be beneficial. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the educational background and scientific literacy of individuals who subscribe to flat Earth theories could provide insights into the phenomenon.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is demonstrably false, as it contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's oblate spheroid shape. Key evidence includes satellite imagery, observations of lunar eclipses, and the way ships appear to sink below the horizon, all of which are consistent with a spherical Earth.

While there is a vocal movement advocating for flat Earth beliefs, their arguments often rely on anecdotal evidence and conspiracy theories rather than empirical data. It is important to recognize that the appeal of these beliefs may be influenced by psychological factors, such as distrust in authority and scientific institutions.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in available evidence. While the scientific consensus is robust, the motivations behind flat Earth beliefs warrant further investigation to fully understand why some individuals reject established science.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the credibility of sources when confronted with claims that challenge widely accepted scientific knowledge.

Sources

1. NASA. "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/
2. Library of Congress. "The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References." https://guides.loc.gov/flat-earth
3. Scientific American. "Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why." https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/flat-earthers-what-they-believe-and-why/
4. IFLScience. "Seven Things That 'Prove' The Earth Is Flat, According To ...". https://www.iflscience.com/seven-things-that-prove-the-earth-is-flat-according-to-flatearthers-49938
5. Britannica. "Flat Earth | Theory, Model, Meaning, & Facts." https://www.britannica.com/topic/flat-Earth
6. USA Today. "Fact check roundup: Proof that the Earth is round." https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2022/12/07/fact-check-roundup-what-scientists-say-flat-earth-evidence/10802218002/
7. Columbia Daily Tribune. "Scientific evidence for a flat Earth?" https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/lifestyle/family/2018/08/14/scientific-evidence-for-flat-earth/11056420007/
8. Scientific American. "Flat Earthers Are Flat Wrong." https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/flat-earthers-are-flat-wrong/
9. Space.com. "How to debate a flat-Earther - Proven scientific arguments and ...". https://www.space.com/how-to-debate-flat-earther.html
10. EBSCO Research Starters. "Flat earth." https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/science/flat-earth