Debunking the Myth: How Many People Believe the Earth is Flat?

The notion that the Earth is flat has been around for centuries, and despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, it remains a popular belief among many people. A recent conference in Denver, Colorado, brought together thousands of individuals who believe that our planet is, in fact, a flat disc.

According to Yu, the curator of space science at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, he was shocked by the number of people who subscribe to this theory. 'If you trust your senses, you're seeing things different than what you're being fed,' says Debra Auden, a conference attendee from Texas. This sentiment is echoed by many flat-earthers, who believe that mainstream science has been lying about the shape of our planet.

The conference attendees are not alone in their beliefs. A YouGov study conducted this year found that one-third of people aged 18-24 are unsure whether the Earth is round or not. Social media platforms like YouTube have also played a significant role in promoting flat earth theory, with many accounts having tens of thousands of followers.

But why do so many people believe that the Earth is flat? Some claim it's because they've been deceived by mainstream science, while others turn to conspiracy theories and religious beliefs for answers. Flat-earthers often point to supposed flaws in scientific evidence and claim that there are no credible proofs that the Earth is a sphere.

However, scientists have long known that the Earth is round. In ancient Greece, philosophers like Aristotle and Eratosthenes demonstrated that the Earth was curved by measuring the angles of shadows cast by sticks at different latitudes. Today, satellite imagery and GPS technology provide overwhelming evidence for the spherical shape of our planet.

Despite this, flat-earthers continue to spread their beliefs through social media and online communities. They claim that pictures of the Earth are fake and that astronauts are actors who have never actually left the planet's surface. Wendell, a conference attendee, sums up the sentiment by saying, 'NASA has obviously lied to us on numerous occasions.'

The flat earth theory may seem like a fringe belief, but it has real-world consequences. It can lead people to doubt established scientific facts and question the credibility of experts in various fields. Moreover, it can also be used as a tool for spreading misinformation and propaganda.

In conclusion, while the idea that the Earth is flat may have some appeal to a small minority of people, it is essential to recognize the overwhelming evidence that contradicts this theory. As Yu notes, 'If you do trust your senses, you're seeing things different than what you're being fed.' It's crucial to be aware of the misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the shape of our planet and to rely on credible sources for information.

How many people believe the earth is flat