Key Arguments of Flat Earth Proponents
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The Sun and Moon: Flat Earthers argue that the Sun and Moon are the same size and much closer to Earth, moving in circular paths above it.
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The Unchanging Face of the Moon: They claim that always seeing the same side of the Moon suggests a flat Earth, as a spherical Earth would reveal different sides.
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The Behavior of Asteroids: Questions arise about why asteroids orbit the Sun instead of being pulled into it by gravity, suggesting gravity might not be a real force.
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Density vs. Gravity: They argue that density, not gravity, causes objects to fall, as denser objects sink in less dense surroundings.
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The Horizon and Curvature: The perceived lack of curvature in the horizon is cited as evidence against a spherical Earth.
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Airplane Flight Paths: Flat Earthers claim flight paths make more sense on a flat Earth map.
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Lack of North-to-South Circumnavigation: The absence of recorded north-to-south circumnavigation by ships or planes is argued to support a flat Earth.
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The Antarctic Treaty and Restricted Access: They see the treaty as evidence of a conspiracy to hide the Earth's true shape.
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The United Nations Logo: The logo’s flat Earth map projection is seen as an admission of the Earth’s true shape.
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Water Finds Its Level: The argument that large bodies of water should be flat rather than curved.
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Crepuscular Rays: These rays are argued to indicate a close, local Sun.
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No Observable Curvature: Flat Earthers claim no curvature is visible even from high altitudes.
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The Bedford Level Experiment: An experiment where a boat didn't disappear from view over six miles of canal is cited as evidence.
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The Coriolis Effect and Projectile Motion: They argue projectiles should travel straight if Earth were spherical.
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The Lack of Perceived Motion: They claim the Earth’s rotation should be perceptible if it were true.
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The Van Allen Radiation Belts: Believers argue space travel is impossible due to intense radiation.
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The Horizon Always Rises to Eye Level: They assert that this would not happen if Earth were spherical.
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Planes Should Constantly Adjust for Earth’s Curvature: They argue planes should continually descend to maintain altitude on a spherical Earth.
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The Gyroscope Argument: Flat Earthers claim gyroscopes should tilt if Earth were rotating.
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The Flat Earth Maps and Distances: They believe flat Earth maps show accurate distances.
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The Curvature Argument: Some claim visibility of distant objects disproves Earth’s curvature.
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North Pole Daylight: They argue the North Pole’s six months of daylight supports a flat Earth model.
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Movement of Stars: The stars’ circular paths around Polaris are seen as evidence of a flat Earth.
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The NASA Photos: They argue NASA’s images are manipulated to maintain the spherical Earth illusion.
What If It Is Flat? Why Would They Lie?
- Maintaining Authority: Admitting error could undermine trust in scientific institutions and governments.
- Human Significance: A spherical Earth might make people feel insignificant, potentially for emotional manipulation.
- Concealing Additional Land: Hidden landmasses or resources could be exploited without public knowledge.
- Funneling Money: Justifying space exploration secures funding, which could be misappropriated.
A Critical Point Against Flat Earth Theory
- Lunar Eclipses: The round shadow cast on the Moon during a lunar eclipse demonstrates Earth’s spherical shape. A flat Earth would cast a different shadow.
Conclusion
While the Flat Earth theory presents various arguments, the scientific consensus remains firmly in favor of a spherical Earth.
Next Time: The Hollow Earth Theory
Explore the theory suggesting Earth contains hollow spaces or caverns, potentially housing advanced civilizations or even an inner world with its own sun.