Fact Check: The Earth is flat

Fact-Check: "The Earth is flat"

What We Know

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is a long-debunked notion that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence. Historical observations by ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, demonstrated that the Earth is round based on the way shadows were cast during different times of the day and the movements of celestial bodies. For instance, they noted that when ships sailed away, they disappeared hull-first, which would not occur if the Earth were flat (NASA).

Modern science has provided extensive evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. Satellite imagery and space exploration have confirmed that the Earth is a sphere, as seen in photographs taken from space (NASA). The scientific consensus, supported by numerous studies and observations, is that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The assertion that the Earth is flat is primarily propagated by a small group of individuals who often rely on anecdotal evidence and personal beliefs rather than scientific data. According to a study on public beliefs, around 10% of respondents in the U.S. agreed with the flat Earth theory, indicating a significant disconnect between scientific understanding and public perception (Carsey Institute).

The sources that support the flat Earth theory often lack credibility and are not based on rigorous scientific methodology. For example, a paper discussing the flat Earth theory in the context of physiotherapy highlights the role of confirmation bias in perpetuating such beliefs, suggesting that individuals may selectively interpret information to reinforce their existing views (Maselli & Mourad).

In contrast, credible sources like NASA provide clear explanations and evidence of the Earth's shape, discussing historical observations and modern scientific advancements that confirm the spherical nature of our planet (NASA). The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their scientific rigor and the consensus among experts in the field.

Conclusion

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is False. This assertion contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence and historical observations that confirm the Earth's spherical shape. The persistence of the flat Earth belief can be attributed to cognitive biases and misinformation, rather than factual accuracy. The overwhelming consensus among scientists and credible institutions is that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, supported by extensive empirical evidence.