Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Earth is Flat: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is a long-standing assertion that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. This belief has gained traction in recent years, particularly among certain online communities and conspiracy theorists. This article will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, examining both the scientific consensus and the arguments put forth by flat Earth proponents.

What We Know

1. Scientific Consensus: The overwhelming majority of scientists agree that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, a conclusion supported by extensive evidence from various fields, including astronomy, physics, and geology. For instance, NASA has provided numerous observations, such as photos of Earth from space, that depict it as round 2.

2. Historical Context: The idea of a spherical Earth dates back to ancient Greece, with philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle providing early evidence. The concept was widely accepted by the Middle Ages, and navigational practices by sailors further confirmed this understanding 34.

3. Flat Earth Beliefs: Despite the scientific consensus, some individuals continue to advocate for flat Earth theories. Research indicates that these beliefs often stem from distrust in scientific authorities and a preference for conspiracy theories 39.

4. Pseudoscientific Claims: Proponents of the flat Earth theory often present arguments that are scientifically unfounded. For example, they may claim that the curvature of the Earth is not observable in everyday life, ignoring the vast body of evidence supporting the Earth's shape 64.

5. Resurgence of Interest: The flat Earth theory has seen a resurgence, partly fueled by social media and documentaries that promote these ideas without rigorous scientific backing 46.

Analysis

The sources available for evaluating the claim that the Earth is flat vary in credibility and reliability:

• NASA (Source 2): As a leading scientific authority, NASA's information is generally reliable and based on empirical evidence. Their explanations of Earth's shape are grounded in decades of research and observation.

• University of Melbourne (Source 3): This article provides insight into the psychological and social factors that contribute to flat Earth beliefs. The University of Melbourne is a reputable institution, lending credibility to its research.

• UNLV (Source 4): This source discusses scientific evidence against flat Earth claims, authored by an astronomer. The academic nature of the source suggests a reliable perspective based on scientific principles.

• Wikipedia (Source 6): While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for information, it is important to approach it with caution due to its open-editing nature. The references and citations within the article should be consulted for more reliable sources.

• Library of Congress (Source 5): This guide provides a historical context for flat Earth beliefs and references various academic works. The Library of Congress is a credible source, but the articles referenced may vary in reliability.

• Conspiracy vs. Science (Source 9): This survey highlights the prevalence of conspiracy beliefs, including flat Earth theories, among the U.S. public. While it provides valuable data, the interpretation of such surveys can be influenced by the framing of questions and the sample population.

The methodology behind flat Earth claims often lacks rigorous scientific validation. Many arguments presented by flat Earth proponents rely on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of scientific principles, which raises questions about their validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Earth is flat is categorically false, as it contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes extensive observations from reputable scientific organizations such as NASA, historical documentation of the Earth's shape dating back to ancient civilizations, and the overwhelming consensus among scientists across multiple disciplines.

It is important to note that while flat Earth beliefs persist, they often arise from a combination of distrust in scientific authorities and a preference for conspiracy theories, rather than from credible scientific reasoning. The resurgence of these beliefs, particularly in the age of social media, highlights the need for critical evaluation of information sources.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. While the scientific consensus is robust, the persistence of flat Earth beliefs suggests that psychological and social factors play a significant role in shaping individuals' acceptance of scientific facts. Therefore, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the credibility of sources when confronted with extraordinary claims.

Sources

1. Maselli, F., & Mourad, F. (2021). The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a Sphere? PMC. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8023606/
2. NASA. (n.d.). How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/earth/how-do-we-know-the-earth-isnt-flat-we-asked-a-nasa-expert-episode-53/
3. University of Melbourne. (2024). Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Pursuit. Retrieved from https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-do-some-people-believe-the-earth-is-flat
4. UNLV. (2024). Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is a Globe. Retrieved from https://www.unlv.edu/news/release/round-earth-clues-how-science-proves-our-home-globe
5. Library of Congress. (n.d.). The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Retrieved from https://guides.loc.gov/flat-earth/articles
6. Wikipedia. (2024). Flat Earth. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Earth
7. Texas A&M University. (n.d.). Flat Earth Map. Retrieved from https://data.healthytexas.tamu.edu/flat-earth-map
8. Library of Congress. (n.d.). The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Retrieved from https://guides.loc.gov/flat-earth
9. Carsey School of Public Policy. (2024). Conspiracy vs. Science: A Survey of U.S. Public Beliefs. Retrieved from https://carsey.unh.edu/publication/conspiracy-vs-science-survey-us-public-beliefs
10. Arizona State University. (n.d.). How Do We Know the Earth Is Round? | Ask An Earth And Space Scientist. Retrieved from https://askanearthspacescientist.asu.edu/top-question/flat-earth