Is the Earth flat ?

 The notion that the Earth is flat has been debunked through centuries of scientific observations, experiments, and evidence from various fields of study. Here are some key scientific arguments that firmly establish the Earth's spherical shape:

1. Curvature of the Horizon:  When ships sail away from the shore, they disappear from view bottom-first due to the curvature of the Earth. This phenomenon, known as the "ship disappearing over the horizon," would not occur if the Earth were flat. As ships move farther away, telescopes can bring them back into view, providing clear evidence of the Earth's curved surface.

2. Airplane Flight Paths: Airplane flight paths are calculated using the Earth's curvature. Pilots and navigators use great circle routes, which are the shortest paths between two points on a sphere. These routes often appear curved on flat maps, but they are the most direct routes across the spherical Earth.

3. Eclipses and Lunar Phases: During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts a round shadow on the Moon. The shape of this shadow is always curved, resembling the Earth's shape. Additionally, lunar phases, where the illuminated portion of the Moon changes, are consistent with the way sunlight falls on a spherical object.

4. Circumnavigation: The ability to circumnavigate the globe in a continuous path is one of the most straightforward proofs of the Earth's spherical shape. Traveling in one direction will eventually bring you back to your starting point, regardless of the direction chosen.

5. View from High Altitudes: As high-altitude balloons, satellites, and astronauts venture into space, the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent. Photographs and videos taken from these vantage points consistently show a curved horizon and a spherical Earth.

6. Gravity's Effect on Objects:  The way gravity affects objects, such as falling and rolling, is consistent with a spherical Earth. Objects fall toward the center of mass, which is at the Earth's core. This gravitational behavior supports the idea of a spherical planet.

7. Celestial Observations: Observations of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets, from different latitudes on Earth provide varying perspectives. The positions of these objects in the sky change as one moves north or south, aligning with the spherical nature of the planet.

8. Earth's Shadow on the Moon: During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts a round shadow on the Moon. The curved shape of this shadow provides clear evidence of the Earth's spherical shape.

These scientific arguments, supported by centuries of observations and evidence, firmly establish the Earth's spherical nature. The collective findings from astronomy, physics, navigation, and space exploration unequivocally demonstrate that the Earth is not flat but a three-dimensional, oblate spheroid.