Are Flat Earthers Correct?
By Leap Heng Eung, ACE Student
About this Article
This article is the final research essay of an Academic Writing & Research (Diploma Program) student at ACE.
We are living in one of the most advanced eras in human history. Technology has revolutionised the way we travel, learn and communicate. We have sent humans to the moon, explored and mapped the Earth and other distant worlds, and made groundbreaking discoveries that continue to change the way we think about the world. So, why do many people still believe in outdated, disproven concepts of the universe? The Flat Earth theory is one such concept.
The Flat Earth concept first appeared in Greek philosophy in the 6th century BC. The modern belief that the Earth is flat dates back to the mid-20th century (Rowbotham, 1881). How did this belief make media headlines?
Most people believe that the Earth is a sphere, rotating counter-clockwise around itself and the Sun. In contrast, Flat Earthers believe that the Earth is a flat disk with the Arctic Circle in the centre. They also propose that Antarctica is an icy ring that surrounds the edge of the Earth. The Sun, Moon and stars, according to Flat Earthers, are small balls of light and rock that float above the Earth. The Sun and Moon move in a circle above the Earth, illuminating part of the Earth in a 24-hour cycle. Gravity is also a hoax: the Earth is moved through space by a force called “dark energy”, which creates the illusion of gravity.
Flat Earthers also claim that NASA has created the spherical Earth “delusion” to cover up the reality that the Earth is indeed flat. They are unsure as to why NASA and the government cover up the “truth” about the Earth.
Even though these claims have a considerable number of Flat Earth supporters, they lack any scientific support. The facts are that our solar system was formed from dust and rock in the nebula that was soon to be the Sun. As more and more materials collided and stuck together, the gravitational pull molded the shape of the would-be universe. Gravity pulls equally in every spot of an object, and therefore, the Earth is a sphere, not a disc.
Nonetheless, the Flat Earth concept has garnered a lot of media attention. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, once tweeted “Why is there no Flat Mars Society?!”, which landed a critical blow to the Flat Earth Society. There are many more questions: How is that icy Antarctic ring created? How can an atmosphere form on a disc-shaped Earth? How can people sail around the Earth if it is flat?
Scientific analysis and research have humiliated Flat Earthers. Before you believe in a concept, research its claims to see what evidence, if any, has been presented in support of it.