Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is Flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" has gained traction among certain groups, particularly within the flat Earth movement, which argues against the widely accepted scientific consensus that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This claim has historical roots and has seen a resurgence in modern times, often fueled by conspiracy theories and a distrust of established science. This article will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, the historical context, and the credibility of various sources discussing the topic.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth was more common in ancient civilizations, but by the time of the ancient Greeks, a spherical Earth was widely accepted among scholars. Notable figures like Pythagoras and Aristotle provided early arguments for a spherical Earth based on observations of the stars and the horizon 13.

2. Scientific Consensus: The overwhelming consensus among scientists today is that the Earth is not flat but an oblate spheroid. This conclusion is supported by various lines of evidence, including satellite imagery, the phenomenon of gravity, and the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon 246.

3. Modern Flat Earth Movement: Despite the scientific consensus, modern flat Earth advocates continue to promote their beliefs, often citing perceived inconsistencies in scientific explanations and a distrust of government and scientific institutions 10. This movement has gained visibility through social media and various organizations dedicated to promoting flat Earth theories.

4. Evidence Against Flat Earth Claims: Numerous experiments and observations, such as the Bedford Level experiment, have been cited by flat Earth proponents to argue against a spherical Earth. However, these experiments have been widely criticized for methodological flaws and misinterpretations of data 9. Scientific explanations for the Earth's shape are robust and include evidence from physics, astronomy, and geology.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and interpretations of historical experiments that have been discredited by the scientific community.

1. Source Reliability:

   • NASA and Scientific Institutions: Sources like NASA provide credible, scientifically-backed information about the Earth's shape, emphasizing the use of modern technology and methods in space geodesy to confirm the Earth's roundness 2. NASA's reputation as a leading space agency lends significant credibility to their assertions.
   • Academic Institutions: Articles from universities, such as those from Arizona State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, present scientifically validated reasons for the Earth's roundness and are authored by experts in relevant fields 46. These sources are generally reliable due to their academic rigor and peer-reviewed nature.
   • Wikipedia and Historical Context: While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for information, it is essential to approach it with caution. The entries on flat Earth beliefs and cosmography provide a broad overview but should be supplemented with primary sources for rigorous academic inquiry 810.

2. Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Many flat Earth sources may exhibit bias, as they often originate from organizations with a vested interest in promoting conspiracy theories. This can lead to selective presentation of evidence that supports their claims while ignoring or dismissing contradicting scientific data.

3. Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used by flat Earth proponents often lack scientific rigor. For instance, the Bedford Level experiment has been criticized for its lack of controls and failure to account for variables such as atmospheric refraction, which can affect observations of distant objects 9.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is false. The overwhelming body of scientific evidence supports the conclusion that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence includes satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and consistent observations of the horizon and celestial bodies, all of which align with the understanding of a spherical Earth.

It is important to recognize that while the flat Earth movement has gained visibility, its arguments are largely based on anecdotal evidence and discredited methodologies. The scientific community has extensively validated the Earth's shape through rigorous research and peer-reviewed studies, which flat Earth proponents often misinterpret or dismiss.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The persistence of flat Earth beliefs can be attributed to psychological and sociocultural factors, including distrust in scientific institutions and the appeal of conspiracy theories. This highlights the need for ongoing public engagement and education regarding scientific literacy.

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

Sources

1. Unconventional Theories about the Earth's Shape: Both Ancient and Modern. Library of Congress. Link
2. How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert. NASA. Link
3. The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Library of Congress. Link
4. How Do We Know the Earth Is Round? Arizona State University. Link
5. Why did so many people believe the world is flat when it is obviously a sphere? West Texas A&M University. Link
6. Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is a Globe. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Link
7. Cosmography - Wikipedia. Link
8. Flat Earth - Wikipedia. Link
9. Bedford Level experiment - Wikipedia. Link
10. Modern flat Earth beliefs - Wikipedia. Link