This Is How We Know Earth Isn't Flat
Life Noggin・2 minutes read
The Earth's round shape is evident through objects disappearing over the horizon, a concept recognized for over 2000 years by Ancient Greeks like Eratosthenes, who calculated the planet's curvature by measuring shadows.
Insights
- The Earth's round shape is supported by observable phenomena such as objects disappearing over the horizon, a concept known for over 2000 years.
- Eratosthenes' precise calculation of the Earth's curvature through shadow measurements on the summer solstice offers concrete proof of the planet's spherical nature, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence in scientific understanding.
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Recent questions
How do we know the Earth is round?
Through observations of disappearing objects over the horizon and stars appearing differently based on location.
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Summary
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Earth's Round Shape Evidenced by Horizon Disappearance
- The Earth appears flat to the human eye, but its round shape is evidenced by the disappearance of objects over the horizon due to its curvature.
- The concept of the Earth's roundness has been known for over 2000 years, with Ancient Greeks observing ships disappearing over the horizon and stars appearing differently based on location.
- Greek mathematician Eratosthenes calculated the Earth's curvature by measuring shadows in different cities on the summer solstice, providing tangible evidence of the planet's round shape.
