Fact Check: ziemia jest płaska

Fact Check: "ziemia jest płaska"

What We Know

The claim that "ziemia jest płaska" (the Earth is flat) contradicts centuries of scientific evidence and observation. Historical records indicate that the Earth has been understood as a sphere since ancient times. For instance, observations of lunar eclipses show a circular shadow cast by the Earth on the Moon, which can only occur if the Earth is spherical. This phenomenon has been documented by scientists for centuries, including ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, who noted the circular shadow during lunar eclipses as evidence of a spherical Earth (source-1).

Moreover, the curvature of the Earth can be observed in various ways, such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon and the varying visibility of distant landmarks depending on elevation. For example, in Wrocław, Poland, certain mountains can only be seen from specific heights due to the Earth's curvature, which would not be the case if the Earth were flat (source-1).

Recent studies indicate that a small percentage of the population still believes in a flat Earth, but these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence (source-3).

Analysis

The assertion that the Earth is flat is primarily based on misconceptions and a misunderstanding of basic physics and astronomy. The sources that support the flat Earth theory often lack scientific credibility and rely on anecdotal evidence rather than empirical data. For instance, while some narratives, such as those found in fictional works like "Płaskoziemca spotyka Kopernika," may entertain the idea of a flat Earth, they do not provide factual evidence to support such claims (source-2).

In contrast, credible scientific sources consistently affirm the Earth's spherical shape. For example, the National Geographic outlines ten observable phenomena that demonstrate the Earth's curvature, such as the way the horizon appears from different altitudes and the way celestial bodies behave in the sky (source-8). Furthermore, experts in fields like geography and physics have repeatedly debunked flat Earth claims through rigorous scientific discourse (source-4).

Conclusion

The claim that "ziemia jest płaska" is False. It is contradicted by extensive scientific evidence and observations that confirm the Earth is an oblate spheroid. The arguments supporting the flat Earth theory are based on misunderstandings and lack empirical support. The overwhelming consensus among scientists and educators is that the Earth is round, and this has been established through centuries of observation and research.

Fact Check: ziemia jest płaska