Fact Check: "The Earth is flat"
What We Know
The claim that "the Earth is flat" contradicts centuries of scientific evidence and observations. Historical civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, deduced the Earth's roundness through observations of celestial bodies and the behavior of shadows during different times of the day (NASA). The advent of the space age in the late 1950s and 1960s provided direct visual evidence of the Earth's spherical shape from space (NASA).
Furthermore, modern technology, such as high-altitude weather balloons, has been used to capture images of the Earth's curvature, reinforcing the scientific consensus that the Earth is not flat (IFLScience).
Analysis
The assertion that the Earth is flat lacks credible scientific support and is primarily propagated through anecdotal evidence and conspiracy theories. For instance, some flat-Earth proponents argue that the horizon appears flat from high altitudes, neglecting the Earth's vast size and the physics involved in perceiving curvature (IFLScience).
Moreover, claims that all space images are manipulated or "Photoshopped" are unfounded and ignore the rigorous processes involved in space photography and the multitude of independent sources confirming the Earth's shape (IFLScience).
The reliability of sources supporting the flat Earth theory is generally low, often stemming from personal beliefs rather than empirical evidence. In contrast, reputable scientific organizations, including NASA and various educational institutions, provide extensive documentation and research supporting the Earth's roundness (NASA; Interesting Engineering).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "the Earth is flat" is not supported by scientific evidence and is contradicted by centuries of observations and research. The overwhelming consensus among scientists, based on empirical data and visual evidence from space, confirms that the Earth is an oblate spheroid.
