Wilgens Sirise
Is the Earth Flat? A Real Explanation of the Shape of Our Planet
For centuries, people have wondered: is the Earth flat or round? In modern times, despite all the technological advances, there are still people who believe in a flat Earth. However, in this article, we will look at scientific reasons and observations that show the truth about the Earth, and explain what its shape really is.
Why did people think the Earth was flat?
When you look at a horizon, it appears straight and flat. This makes sense in everyday experience, where our eyes see a surface that seems flat because the Earth is so big. Throughout history, people have relied on what they directly see to understand the world. Without advanced technology, the idea that the Earth was a disk or a platform seemed logical.
How do we know the Earth is curved?
When a ship moves at sea, it gradually disappears below the horizon, the beginning of the bottom of the ship becoming invisible before itself. This can only be possible if the Earth has a curve. If the Earth were flat, the ship would still be visible even from great distances. Additionally, when we travel north or south, the position of the stars in the sky changes depending on where we are, which only explains whether the Earth is round.
Scientific evidence that the Earth is round
For over 2,000 years, scientists like Eratosthenes have calculated the curvature of the Earth by measuring the shadows cast by different cities. Today, satellites and spaceflights have taken clear pictures of the Earth as a blue ball in space. This is direct verification, confirming that the Earth is round.
How does gravity explain the shape of the Earth?
The force of gravity pulls everything toward the center of the planet, causing materials to assume a more rounded shape — a sphere or nearly so. If the Earth were flat, this force would be different depending on where on the surface it is located, creating physical effects and water movements that do not match what we observe.
Eclipses and other phenomena that only make sense with a round Earth
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow on the Moon is always round. This would not be possible if the Earth were flat. Furthermore, sunrise and sunset times vary depending on latitude, which only makes sense if the Earth is curved.
Why does belief in a flat Earth persist?
There are several reasons: some people trust what they can see directly, others do not trust science or authority, and there is a small ideological movement based on this. However, when we look closely at scientific evidence and practical experience, the shape of the Earth is clea
Despite the seemingly flat appearance of the horizon, the Earth is actually a sphere — a gently curved ball that is too large for the human eye to easily see. Visual evidence, mathematical calculations, and physical observations clearly show this. It is a scientific truth that has become a foundation for our understanding of the world and the universe.
By.WILGENS SIRISE
