Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" has gained traction among certain groups, particularly in the context of conspiracy theories and skepticism towards established scientific consensus. This claim contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape, yet it continues to attract a following. This article will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, the beliefs of flat Earth proponents, and the scientific rebuttals to these beliefs.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth was common in ancient civilizations, but it was largely replaced by the understanding of a spherical Earth through observations of celestial bodies and navigation. Notably, the Greeks and Egyptians provided early evidence for a spherical Earth based on the way stars move and the curvature of the Earth's shadow during lunar eclipses 2.

2. Scientific Evidence: Numerous scientific observations confirm the Earth's spherical shape. For instance, images from space, the phenomenon of ships disappearing hull-first over the horizon, and the way different stars are visible from different latitudes all support a spherical model 410.

3. Flat Earth Beliefs: Despite overwhelming evidence, some individuals maintain that the Earth is flat, often citing conspiracy theories about government and scientific institutions. Research indicates that these beliefs can be linked to broader distrust in authority and a desire for alternative explanations of reality 38.

4. Scientific Community's Response: The scientific community actively combats flat Earth theories by providing educational resources and engaging in public discussions. Experts emphasize the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy to counteract the spread of misinformation 510.

5. Cultural Impact: The resurgence of flat Earth beliefs has been fueled by social media and documentaries, which often present these views in a sensationalized manner. This has led to a notable cultural phenomenon where flat Earth theory is discussed more widely, despite its lack of scientific basis 46.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is met with substantial scientific evidence supporting its spherical nature. Sources such as NASA and scientific publications provide robust explanations of how we know the Earth is round, including the physics of gravity, satellite imagery, and astronomical observations 24.

However, the sources promoting flat Earth beliefs often lack rigorous scientific backing and may be influenced by personal biases or agendas. For example, while some articles discuss the psychological and social factors behind flat Earth beliefs, they may not adequately address the scientific rebuttals, potentially leading to a skewed understanding of the issue 38.

Additionally, the methodology used by flat Earth proponents often relies on anecdotal evidence and misinterpretations of scientific principles. This raises questions about the reliability of their claims and the motivations behind them. Many flat Earth advocates operate within echo chambers that reinforce their beliefs, making it difficult for them to engage with opposing viewpoints 510.

Moreover, the sources discussing flat Earth theories vary in credibility. For instance, while scientific journals and reputable news outlets provide well-researched information, some sources may present sensationalized or biased narratives that do not reflect the consensus of the scientific community 67.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is categorically false, as it contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence that supports the Earth's spherical shape. Key evidence includes historical observations from ancient civilizations, modern satellite imagery, and various physical phenomena such as the curvature of the Earth observed during lunar eclipses and the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon.

While flat Earth beliefs persist, they are often rooted in conspiracy theories and a distrust of established scientific institutions, rather than empirical evidence. It is important to recognize that the spread of these beliefs can be influenced by cultural factors and the sensationalism prevalent in certain media.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The persistence of flat Earth theories highlights the challenges of addressing misinformation and the psychological factors that contribute to belief in such claims. The discourse surrounding this topic is complex, and while the scientific consensus is clear, the motivations behind flat Earth beliefs warrant further exploration.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out credible sources when confronted with claims that contradict established scientific understanding. Engaging with diverse perspectives and fostering scientific literacy are essential in combating misinformation.

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. Pursuit. (2019). Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Retrieved from Pursuit
4. UNLV. (2019). Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is ... Retrieved from UNLV
5. Brazil, R. (2020). Fighting flat-Earth theory. Retrieved from Physics World
6. Burnett, D. (2016). Why the Earth is actually 100% flat. Retrieved from The Guardian
7. Britannica. Flat Earth | Theory, Model, Meaning, & Facts. Retrieved from Britannica
8. Scientific American. (2020). Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why. Retrieved from Scientific American
9. EBSCO. Flat earth | EBSCO Research Starters. Retrieved from EBSCO
10. Space.com. (2025). How to debate a flat-Earther: Proven scientific arguments ... Retrieved from Space.com