The needle does not point at the actual geographical location of magnetic north. Gas pressure in Earth's atmosphere is caused by gravity pulling matter toward the planet's core, so there's no need for a 'container.' Read more.Ĭlaim: A compass wouldn't work if Earth is sphericalĬompasses orient themselves to the magnetic field lines that circle the Earth. Read more.Ĭlaim: Earth isn't curved or moving air pressure couldn't exist 'without a container'Īmple evidence, including photos, atmospheric processes, lunar eclipses and the movement of stars, demonstrates Earth's curve and motion. This rotation just can't be felt because humans feel acceleration, not speed. The curvature of the Earth can be seen from an elevated vantage point, and the rotation of the Earth impacts daily functions like the routes planes fly. The Earth is curved and does rotate, and there are several ways scientists have proved this, experts say.

Here's a roundup of our work: Flat Earth theories on movement, other scienceĬlaim: Earth isn't curved and doesn't rotate We also debunked variations of the related conspiracy theory that space isn't real.

The USA TODAY Fact-Check Team has investigated a wide range of flat Earth-related claims, including those built on misunderstandings about feeling the Earth's rotation or how planes can fly 'straight and level' if the Earth isn't flat. And if all these sources are saying the same thing, then people – erroneously – think there must be something to it.'įollow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks 'There's what you might think of as a misinformation feedback loop,' said Jeffery Blevins, a professor at the University of Cincinnati who specializes in misinformation. 'If you have just one false claim from one source that gets repeated by other sources on social media and fringe outlets, suddenly it sounds like it's coming from all these different sources. Why people think the Earth is flatĮxperts say flat Earth claims endure in large part because of the repetition enabled by social media.

Since then, scientists have discovered an abundance of evidence to confirm this is the case – including seeing Earth itself from space.Ĭlaims the Earth is flat continue to circulate, though. Humans first theorized the Earth may be spherical in ancient Greece thousands of years ago, according to the American Physical Society.

What is flat earth theory