In an age where information is at our fingertips, the persistence of the flat earth theory stands as a baffling testament to human scepticism. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, a faction still clings to the archaic belief that our planet is a flat disc. This article dismantles this myth using historical observations, scientific evidence, and modern technological proofs.
The notion of a spherical Earth isn’t new; it dates back to ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Eratosthenes. Their observations of stars, lunar eclipses, and simple geometry provided early evidence of Earth’s curvature. Fast forward to the age of space exploration, and this truth becomes irrefutable. Astronauts’ testimonies and thousands of satellite images consistently showcase a spherical Earth, debunking the flat Earth theory.
One of the simplest proofs of a spherical Earth comes from observing lunar eclipses. As Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, it casts a shadow on the Moon. This shadow is always round, a geometric impossibility for a flat disc but perfectly consistent with a spherical body.
The changing seasons across different hemispheres further debunk the flat earth theory. When it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. This phenomenon aligns with the spherical Earth model, where the tilt of the planet’s axis causes varying solar angles and daylight durations across the globe.
The constellations visible in the night sky vary depending on your location on Earth. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere see different stars and constellations than those in the Southern Hemisphere. This variation is inexplicable in a flat earth model but perfectly aligns with a spherical Earth.
Modern technology offers the most compelling evidence against the flat earth theory. Satellites orbiting Earth provide continuous data streams and images, all indicating a round planet. The International Space Station (ISS) live streams show a rotating spherical Earth visible to anyone with internet access.
The consistent gravity experienced across the Earth’s surface further supports its sphericity. On a flat Earth, gravity would pull objects at different angles, depending on their location. However, we consistently experience gravity pulling us towards the planet’s centre, a phenomenon only possible on a spherical body.
Reality: The UN flag features an azimuthal equidistant projection, a legitimate map projection used for specific purposes, such as air traffic navigation. It’s not intended to represent the true shape of the Earth. Map projections represent a spherical surface on a flat plane, each with its own uses and limitations.
Reality: The curvature of the Earth is not easily observable at ground level due to the vast scale of the planet. However, from higher altitudes, the curvature becomes visible. This is evident in images taken from aeroplanes, high-altitude balloons, and space.
Reality: Large bodies of water conform to the Earth’s curvature. The surface of the water appears flat over small distances, but the curvature is measurable over larger spans. This is evident in large-scale engineering projects like bridges and canals, where curvature must be accounted for.
Reality: Gravity is a well-documented force, demonstrated by countless experiments and observations. It’s not just density that causes objects to fall, but the Earth’s gravitational pull. This force keeps the atmosphere, oceans, and everything else anchored to the Earth.
Reality: Aeroplane flight paths might seem to make more sense on a flat map, but in reality, they are planned based on the shortest distance between two points on a sphere, known as a great circle route. These routes often appear curved on flat maps due to the distortion inherent in converting a 3D sphere to a 2D map.
Reality: The authenticity of space imagery has been confirmed through various independent sources, including space agencies and private spaceflight companies in different countries. These images consistently show a spherical Earth.
Reality: The idea of an ice wall surrounding a flat Earth misinterprets Antarctica’s geography. Antarctica is a continent that has been extensively explored and studied. Its coastline doesn’t form a giant ice wall but is part of a larger landmass with a diverse topography.
Reality: There are numerous authentic photos of Earth from space taken by different satellites and space missions. These include the Apollo missions, weather satellites, and, more recently, the Himawari-8 Japanese weather satellite, which takes high-resolution images of the entire Earth every 10 minutes.
Reality: The apparent motions of the Sun and Moon are consistent with the Earth’s rotation and orbit around the Sun. The changes in their paths and the phenomena like eclipses can only be accurately predicted using a spherical Earth model.
Reality: Biblical or religious texts are often allegorical, not literal scientific guides. Most religious scholars accept the Earth’s spherical shape, a conclusion based on extensive scientific evidence and observation rather than religious interpretation. The shape of the Earth is determined by empirical evidence, not religious beliefs.
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