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Is the Earth Really Flat Fact Check Result

“earth is flat”
False
Confidence: High Checked on March 12, 2026

Summary

The Earth is not flat; it is an oblate spheroid (ellipsoid) as demonstrated by satellite observations, laser ranging, and geodesy measurements. Scientific consensus, supported by NASA, NOAA, and extensive empirical evidence, confirms the Earth's roughly spherical shape. Flat‑Earth claims lack scientific support and are regarded as pseudoscience.

Recheck this fact Runs a fresh check with up-to-date sources

Sources 58 searched

nasa.gov
oceanservice.noaa.gov
  • Is the Earth round?

    While the Earth appears to be round when viewed from the vantage point of space, it is actually closer to an ellipsoid. However, even an ellipsoid does not adequately describe the Earth's unique and ever-changing shape

svs.gsfc.nasa.gov
earthexplorer.usgs.gov
  • EarthExplorer

    Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic products through the U.S. Geological Survey

sciencedirect.com
  • Satellite Altimetry - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

    We also comment on some geophysical applications of the altimeter measurement, including measuring the ocean geoid, bathymetry, and global mean sea level. In closing, we briefly discuss other types of satellite altimeters, including laser, delay-Doppler, and wide swath altimeters. ... Satellite altimetry data can also be used for determining the Earth’s gravity field over oceans.

ucl.ac.uk
en.wikipedia.org
  • Modern flat Earth beliefs - Wikipedia

    The claims of modern flat Earth proponents are not based on scientific knowledge and are contrary to over two millennia of scientific consensus based on multiple confirming lines of evidence that Earth is roughly spherical. Flat Earth beliefs are classified by experts in philosophy and physics as a form of science denial. Flat Earth groups of the modern era date from the middle of the 20th century; some adherents are serious and some are not. Those who are serious are often motivated by religion or conspiracy theories.

  • Mark Sargent (flat Earth proponent) - Wikipedia

    Critics consider the flat Earth beliefs promoted by Sargent pseudoscience, inconsistent with all empirical evidence. They have been attributed to "conspiracy mentality", reliance on religious belief, distrust of authority, science denial, or ...

carm.org

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