Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" is a long-standing belief that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. This claim has gained traction in certain circles, particularly among conspiracy theorists, who argue that mainstream science is misleading. This article will explore the available evidence surrounding this claim, examining both supporting and contradicting perspectives.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The idea of a flat Earth was prevalent in many ancient cultures, but it was largely replaced by the understanding of a spherical Earth due to astronomical observations and navigational needs. Ancient Greeks, such as Pythagoras and Aristotle, provided early evidence for a spherical Earth based on observations of lunar eclipses and the way ships disappear over the horizon 6.

2. Scientific Consensus: The scientific community overwhelmingly supports the view that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This is backed by various forms of evidence, including satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and the physics of planetary formation 24.

3. Flat Earth Beliefs: Despite scientific evidence, some individuals continue to advocate for the flat Earth theory. A study highlighted that belief in a flat Earth can be linked to broader conspiracy theories and distrust in scientific institutions 59.

4. Educational Efforts: Various organizations and scientists are actively working to counter flat Earth beliefs by providing educational resources and promoting scientific literacy 7. NASA and other scientific institutions have produced materials explaining the evidence for a spherical Earth 210.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies rather than empirical scientific data. The sources that support this claim often lack rigorous scientific methodology and are sometimes published in forums or platforms that do not adhere to peer-review standards.

1. Source Reliability:

   • NASA's Explanation: NASA's materials, such as the article "How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat?", are based on extensive scientific research and are considered credible due to NASA's reputation and the rigorous scientific methods employed in their studies 210.
   • Scientific American: The podcast from Scientific American discusses the psychological and social factors that contribute to flat Earth beliefs, providing a nuanced view of the issue 9. This source is credible, as it is published by a well-respected scientific journal.
   • Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry on flat Earth provides a broad overview but should be approached with caution, as it can be edited by anyone and may contain biases 6.

2. Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some proponents of flat Earth theories may have underlying biases, often stemming from a distrust of scientific institutions or a desire to challenge mainstream narratives. This can lead to selective use of evidence that supports their views while disregarding substantial scientific consensus.

3. Methodological Concerns: Many arguments for a flat Earth rely on misinterpretations of physics and observational data. For example, some flat Earth advocates claim that the horizon appears flat from a human perspective, ignoring the vast scale of the Earth and the limitations of human perception 45.

4. Counterarguments: The scientific community has provided extensive evidence against the flat Earth claim, including satellite images, the Coriolis effect, and the way gravity operates on a spherical body. These counterarguments are well-documented and supported by empirical data 24.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is false, as it contradicts a substantial body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes historical observations by ancient scholars, extensive scientific consensus, and empirical data from satellite imagery and gravitational measurements.

It is important to recognize that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs often stems from psychological factors, such as distrust in scientific institutions and a tendency to embrace conspiracy theories. While some individuals may find anecdotal support for their views, these claims lack the rigorous scientific methodology that underpins the overwhelming evidence for a spherical Earth.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The flat Earth theory continues to attract attention in certain communities, and understanding the social and psychological dynamics behind these beliefs is an ongoing area of research.

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

Sources

1. Filippo, M. (2021). The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... Retrieved from PMC
2. NASA. (2025). How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert. Retrieved from NASA
3. Library of Congress. (2025). Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List. Retrieved from Library of Congress
4. UNLV. (2019). Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is ... Retrieved from UNLV
5. Pursuit. (2019). Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Retrieved from Pursuit
6. Wikipedia. Flat Earth. Retrieved from Wikipedia
7. Brazil, R. (2020). Fighting flat-Earth theory. Retrieved from Physics World
8. EBSCO. Flat earth. Retrieved from EBSCO
9. Marshall, M. (2020). Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why. Retrieved from Scientific American
10. NASA. (2025). How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA ... Retrieved from YouTube