Here are the reasons scientists know the Earth is not flat:

Lunar Eclipses

During a lunar eclipse, the shadow cast on the Moon is always round, indicating that the Earth is spherical. This phenomenon occurs because the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to be cast on the Moon. The shape of the shadow can only be round if the Earth is spherical.

 

Lunar Eclipse

 

Horizon Curvature

Sailors have long observed that as they sail away from land, the tops of distant ships disappear over the horizon first. This phenomenon occurs because the Earth's surface curves away from the observer, leading to the gradual disappearance of distant objects. If the Earth were flat, distant objects would remain visible regardless of distance.

 

Aerial View of coast showing horizon curvature

Circumnavigation

The ability to circumnavigate the globe by traveling in a straight line in any direction is another piece of evidence for the Earth's spherical shape. Whether traveling east or west, ships and airplanes can eventually return to their starting point, demonstrating the curvature of the Earth's surface.

 

Earth Globe and plane circumnavigating it

Satellite Imagery

Modern satellite imagery provides clear visual evidence of the Earth's spherical shape. Satellites orbiting the Earth capture images of the planet from space, showing its rounded silhouette. These images are widely available and accessible to the public, further confirming the Earth's spherical nature.

 

Satellite in space

Space Exploration

Astronauts aboard spacecraft and space stations have directly observed the Earth's curvature from space. Photographs and videos taken from orbiting spacecraft clearly show the Earth as a sphere, with its curved surface visible against the blackness of space.

 

Astronaut in Space

 

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