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 consensus among scholars, dating back to ancient Greece, established that the Earth is spherical. For instance, the Greek mathematician Eratosthenes calculated the Earth's circumference around 240 BCE by measuring the angle of the sun's rays in different locations, demonstrating that the Earth could not be flat (Pursuit).

Modern scientific understanding confirms that the Earth is not only round but is more accurately described as an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation (NOAA). This shape is further complicated by geological features such as mountains and ocean trenches, which create variations in the Earth's surface (NOAA).

Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has provided extensive photographic evidence from space that clearly shows the Earth as a round object (NASA).

Analysis

The belief in a flat Earth persists despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. According to a 2019 article from Pursuit, while the idea has been scientifically discredited, it has gained traction among certain groups, particularly in the age of social media. This resurgence is attributed to a growing distrust in experts and mainstream science, as well as the influence of social media platforms that allow flat Earth proponents to connect and reinforce their beliefs.

The sources supporting the spherical Earth are credible and well-established. For example, NOAA's findings are based on rigorous scientific measurements and observations, while NASA's images come from advanced satellite technology that has been validated by the scientific community (NOAA, NASA).

In contrast, sources advocating for flat Earth theories often lack scientific rigor and rely heavily on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of scientific data. The Library of Congress provides a historical overview of flat Earth beliefs but does not endorse them, instead emphasizing the scientific consensus on the Earth's shape (Library of Congress).

Moreover, a Wikipedia entry outlines the historical context of flat Earth beliefs, noting that they are archaic and have been scientifically disproven. This further underscores the lack of credibility in flat Earth claims.

Conclusion

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is False. The overwhelming body of scientific evidence, historical calculations, and modern observations all confirm that the Earth is a spherical object, specifically an oblate spheroid. The persistence of flat Earth beliefs can be attributed to social and psychological factors rather than empirical evidence.