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

Earth is round

The Earth is round, more precisely an oblate spheroid, as confirmed by extensive scientific evidence and observations.

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FactVerify

Source: factverify.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 30, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The statement 'Earth is round' is accurate but can be further refined. Scientific consensus and empirical evidence show that Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. This shape has been confirmed through satellite imagery, measurements of Earth's gravity, and observations such as the curved shadow Earth casts on the Moon during lunar eclipses.

Historical observations by ancient Greeks and modern space missions have consistently supported this understanding. While from a human perspective on the surface Earth may appear flat due to its vast size, the curvature becomes evident from higher altitudes and space. Thus, describing Earth as 'round' is correct in a general sense, with the precise term being an oblate spheroid.

Primary trail

Verified Sources10

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

nasa.gov
Open source
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