Fact Check: The Earth is roundish.

Fact-Check Article: "The Earth is roundish."

What We Know

The claim that "the Earth is roundish" can be interpreted in a few ways, primarily focusing on the Earth's shape. According to NOAA, while the Earth appears round from space, it is more accurately described as an ellipsoid. This means that the Earth is not a perfect sphere; it bulges at the equator due to the centrifugal force from its rotation. Additionally, the Earth's surface is irregular, with mountains and ocean trenches contributing to its complex shape. The concept of the Earth being an ellipsoid is further supported by geodesy, the science of measuring the Earth's shape and gravity field.

Historically, the shape of the Earth has been a subject of debate. Ancient civilizations had various beliefs, from flat disks to spherical shapes. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras, around 500 BCE, was one of the first to suggest a spherical Earth based on philosophical reasoning rather than empirical evidence. By the Middle Ages, the spherical model was widely accepted among scholars, although some non-scientific communities still believed in a flat Earth (Hunter College).

In modern times, scientific consensus confirms that the Earth is an "oblate spheroid," which is a sphere that is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator (Wikipedia). This understanding is supported by various observations, including the curvature of the Earth's shadow on the moon during lunar eclipses and the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon (Pursuit).

Analysis

The claim that "the Earth is roundish" is partially true, as it acknowledges the Earth's shape without strictly defining it as a perfect sphere. The term "roundish" captures the essence of the Earth's shape being spherical in nature while also allowing for the nuances of its actual form, which is more accurately described as an ellipsoid.

The reliability of the sources used to support this claim is generally high. NOAA, as a scientific agency, provides credible information based on empirical data and research. The historical perspective offered by Hunter College is well-researched and provides context for the evolution of our understanding of the Earth's shape. Additionally, the information from Wikipedia, while user-generated, is often vetted and contains references to scientific literature that support its claims.

However, it is essential to note that while the scientific community overwhelmingly supports the spherical model of the Earth, there are fringe beliefs, such as the flat Earth theory, that persist despite being scientifically discredited (Wikipedia). This highlights a broader issue of misinformation and the influence of social media on public perception of scientific facts (Pursuit).

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "the Earth is roundish" is partially true because it accurately reflects the general understanding of the Earth's shape while also acknowledging its complexities. The Earth is not a perfect sphere but rather an oblate spheroid with irregularities due to its topography and gravitational variations. This nuanced understanding aligns with scientific consensus, making the claim valid, albeit imprecise.

Sources

1. Is the Earth round?
2. Determining the earth's shape
3. Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? - Pursuit
4. Spherical Earth
5. Is Earth round? Why is Earth round and not flat? - ABOUT SCIENCE
6. Flat Earth
7. Round Earth vs. Flat Earth or How We Know Earth isn't Flat
8. The Scientific Consensus: The Round Earth Explained