Fact Check: The Earth is flat

Fact Check: "The Earth is flat"

What We Know

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is a widely debunked assertion that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence. Historical observations, such as those made by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, demonstrated the Earth's curvature through the study of celestial movements and shadows cast by the sun at different locations (NASA). Furthermore, modern space exploration has provided direct visual evidence of the Earth's spherical shape, as seen in photographs taken from space (NASA).

Scientific consensus supports the understanding that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, a fact corroborated by various fields of study, including astronomy, physics, and geography (Wikipedia). The Flat Earth theory is often rooted in a misunderstanding of scientific principles and is fueled by confirmation bias, where individuals selectively interpret information to support their beliefs (Maselli & Mourad).

Analysis

The assertion that the Earth is flat lacks credible scientific support and is contradicted by overwhelming evidence. For instance, the ancient Greeks calculated the Earth's circumference using the angles of shadows cast by the sun at different latitudes, leading to the conclusion that the Earth is round (NASA). Additionally, during the age of exploration, navigators relied on the spherical model of the Earth to successfully circumnavigate the globe, which would not have been possible if the Earth were flat (NASA).

The Flat Earth theory is often propagated by individuals and groups who may not have a strong foundation in scientific literacy. This is evident in the way that proponents of the theory often ignore or misinterpret scientific data (Interesting Engineering). The sources promoting the flat Earth perspective are generally considered unreliable and often lack rigorous scientific backing. In contrast, reputable sources such as NASA and educational institutions provide extensive documentation and evidence supporting the spherical nature of the Earth.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "the Earth is flat" is unequivocally false. It is contradicted by a vast body of scientific evidence and historical observations that demonstrate the Earth's spherical shape. The persistence of this belief can largely be attributed to cognitive biases and misinformation rather than credible scientific inquiry.