Surprisingly, several topics scientifically proven are still subjects of public debate. For instance, while many trust in science, some still believe in a flat Earth.

The Round vs. Flat Earth Debate

Spacemandu, a TikTok account that regularly shares clips from space, posted a video showing an astronaut waving at the camera before flipping it to reveal the Earth’s curvature, debunking the flat Earth theory. The video was captioned, “Someone said Earth was flat.”

More Evidence

This isn’t the only proof of Earth’s shape. For nearly two decades, NASA has documented and archived images of Earth from space. In 2015, NASA’s Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite captured a breathtaking image of the “entire sunlit side” of Earth from one million miles away, resembling a blue and white swirled sphere.

DSCOVR Refutes Flat Earth Theory

Charlie Bolden, a former astronaut, emphasized DSCOVR’s importance: “This first DSCOVR image of our planet highlights the benefits of Earth observation from space. As someone who has seen Earth from orbit, I want everyone to understand our planet as a complex, interconnected system. DSCOVR’s observations also help us monitor space weather events caused by the sun.”

Further Visual Proof

SAGE III, another scientific tool, tracks atmospheric data, including water vapor and ozone, which protect the planet. Its images, captured from a side angle, offer a perspective similar to watching a sunset and serve as further evidence against the flat Earth theory.

Invaluable Scientific Data

Science manager Marilee Roell highlighted the critical role of SAGE III’s data in tracking weather patterns and climate change. “It’s one of science’s biggest success stories in shaping policy,” she explained, noting that SAGE III’s presence on the International Space Station adds both scientific and human spaceflight value.

The Persistence of Flat Earth Beliefs

Despite centuries of evidence, the flat Earth theory persists, dating back to Samuel Rowbotham in the 19th century, who proposed the idea of a flat disc-shaped Earth. William Carpenter later spread the theory further. Today, flat Earth believers claim that staged images and conspiracies fuel the belief in a spherical Earth.

Astrophysicist Paul M. Sutter suggests this belief stems from a “lack of trust” in experts. He wrote for Space.com, “By claiming Earth is flat, people are really expressing a deep distrust of scientists and science itself.”

Science Experts Disprove Flat Earth

Professor Brian Cox, a renowned scientist, has also debunked the flat Earth theory. “There is no basis for thinking the world is flat. The Greeks measured the Earth’s radius centuries ago. It’s inconceivable why anyone would believe otherwise.”

He added, “The simple fact is that we’ve taken pictures of it. It’s the most nonsensical suggestion a thinking person could make. It’s drivel.”

While the flat Earth debate continues, it’s not entirely surprising, given that limited resources and education can hinder understanding of the rigorous research and expertise required in scientific fields.