Fact-check analysisVerified as of July 30, 2025Curated by FactVerify
False

The earth is flat

The claim that the Earth is flat is false; extensive scientific evidence and observations confirm that the Earth is an oblate spheroid.

FactVerify

FactVerify

Source: factverify.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 30, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The assertion that the Earth is flat contradicts centuries of scientific research and empirical evidence. Ancient Greek mathematicians around 500 BCE provided early proofs of a spherical Earth, and since then, numerous observations have confirmed this shape. Modern science, including satellite imagery, global navigation, and space exploration, consistently shows the Earth as an oblate spheroid, a sphere slightly flattened at the poles.

NASA experts explain that phenomena such as circumnavigation by sea and air, the way shadows change with latitude, and images from space all confirm Earth's roundness. While some groups continue to promote flat Earth theories, these are based on misunderstandings or misinformation rather than credible scientific data.

Primary trail

Verified Sources10

How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53

nasa.gov
Open source

Why some people believe the Earth is flat

bbcearth.com
Open source
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