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Flat-Earthers, as their name implies, are individuals who firmly assert that the Earth is flat, rejecting all scientific evidence that proves otherwise. They often claim that the idea of a round Earth is a widespread conspiracy orchestrated by governments, space agencies, and private companies. Surprisingly, though, they accept that Mars is spherical.
Proving the Earth is flat is no easy task for flat-Earthers, and they frequently resort to extreme measures to validate their beliefs. From making outlandish claims to launching rockets and satellites, or even attempting to reach the Earth's edge, their efforts are relentless. Here are ten fascinating facts about flat-Earthers that you might not have known.
10. They Accept That Mars Is Spherical
This response was unexpected, as most would assume flat-Earthers also believe Mars is flat. The Flat Earth Society surprised many when a member suggested Mars might be flat like Earth. The society responded by stating that while it’s possible, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest Mars is anything but round.
The Flat Earth Society made another peculiar remark after someone questioned whether Earth could be the sole flat planet in existence. They responded, “We’re unsure. Why should Earth be the only (known) celestial body to support intelligent life? Maybe it’s one of a kind, or perhaps we simply need to explore further.”
9. They’re Organizing a Journey to the World’s Edge
Many flat-Earthers are convinced that the Earth’s edges are enclosed by massive ice walls, preventing anyone from falling off. To settle the debate about Earth’s shape, some flat-Earthers are now preparing an ambitious expedition to the planet’s supposed edge.
The Flat Earth International Conference (FEIC) is spearheading this voyage, though details remain secretive. (Some speculate they aim to avoid detection by NASA guards allegedly stationed at the Earth’s edges.) The plan has sparked skepticism, especially since the ship will rely on GPS technology, which operates on the assumption of a spherical Earth.
8. They Claim SpaceX’s Starman Images Were Altered
Before private space companies emerged, flat-Earthers primarily targeted government organizations like NASA, accusing them of concealing the truth about Earth’s flat shape for monetary benefits. Now, they’ve shifted their focus to private space enterprises such as SpaceX.
In February 2018, Elon Musk sent the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket into orbit, carrying his Tesla Roadster. A mannequin dressed as an astronaut, nicknamed Starman, was placed in the driver’s seat. Cameras installed in the vehicle captured the journey, which was broadcast live on YouTube.
One iconic image from the event depicted Starman seemingly driving the car through space, with a clearly spherical Earth visible in the background. Such imagery is precisely what flat-Earthers aim to dismiss.
The Flat Earth Society quickly dismissed the photo as fabricated, accusing SpaceX of distorting the truth about Earth’s shape for financial gain. In their frustration, they even labeled SpaceX as “FakeX.”
7. They Argue Solar Eclipses Confirm Earth’s Flat Shape
Solar eclipses are often cited as proof of Earth’s roundness. If the Earth were flat, every region facing the Sun would experience a solar eclipse simultaneously. However, this doesn’t occur due to Earth’s curvature.
Flat-Earthers, however, insist that solar eclipses support their belief in a flat Earth. They argue that if Earth were round, the Moon’s shadow during an eclipse would be larger. This scenario would only hold true if the Sun were significantly smaller and much closer to the Moon.
Flat-Earthers also claim that the Moon’s shadow should move from east to west, given Earth’s supposed rotation from west to east. However, this ignores the Moon’s faster movement. The Moon travels at approximately 3,400 kilometers per hour (2,100 mph), while Earth rotates at 1,670 kilometers per hour (1,038 mph). As a result, the shadow actually moves from west to east at 1,730 kilometers per hour (1,075 mph).
6. Flat-Earthers Believe an Unknown Object Triggers Lunar Eclipses
Lunar eclipses serve as strong evidence for Earth’s spherical shape. Yet, flat-Earthers have attempted to use them to argue for a flat Earth, much like their approach with solar eclipses.
Flat-Earthers offer unconventional explanations for lunar eclipses. They propose that an unidentified, hidden object passes between the Earth and the Moon during these events. This is incorrect, as lunar eclipses occur when the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow.
Flat-Earthers remain uncertain about the nature of this mysterious object but suggest it only becomes visible when positioned between Earth and the Moon. They theorize it could be an undiscovered planet or asteroid orbiting between the two. However, astronomers have definitively ruled out the possibility of any celestial body interfering in this manner.
5. They Assert the Sun Is Small and Positioned Close to Earth
Earth experiences two equinoxes annually, one in March and another in September. During these events, the Sun aligns directly above the Equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night. This phenomenon is only possible due to Earth’s round shape and its axial tilt.
Equinoxes are clear evidence of Earth’s round shape, but flat-Earthers reject this idea. They argue that equinoxes occur because the Sun hovers directly above Earth and circles the North Pole, which they claim is the world’s center. Additionally, they believe the Sun is far smaller than scientists suggest.
4. A Flat-Earther Built and Launched a Homemade Rocket to See Earth from Space
Mike Hughes is determined to prove Earth is flat by traveling to space. To turn this ambitious dream into reality, he constructed a rocket in his backyard. The rocket, a functional prototype made from scrap metal, cost $20,000 to build.
Hughes tested his rocket in March 2018, reaching an altitude of 572 meters (1,875 ft) before the parachute deployed, allowing it to glide back to the ground. The landing was rough, injuring Hughes, but he sustained no permanent damage and likely resumed work on his rocket after recovering.
3. Some Flat-Earthers Believe Teleportation Prevents Us from Falling Off Earth’s Edge
As previously noted, many flat-Earthers assert that an ice wall encircles the Earth’s edge, which they identify as Antarctica. They also claim the Arctic lies at the planet’s center.
However, the issue with ice walls—or any walls—is that they can be climbed. People could theoretically fall off the edges. Flat-Earthers argue that no one has fallen because NASA agents are stationed to prevent anyone from scaling the wall.
A glaring flaw in the flat Earth theory involves airplanes. If Earth were flat, planes would drift into space upon crossing the walls and reaching the edge. Additionally, a flat Earth would make it impossible for airplanes to circumnavigate the globe and return to their starting point without altering course. So, how do they explain this?
In 2018, flat-Earther Darren Nesbit proposed that airplanes return to their origin and avoid falling off the edge by teleporting or entering a wormhole when they reach the boundary. This, he claimed, transports them to the opposite side of the Earth.
Nesbit used the “Pac-Man effect” to illustrate his theory. He compared airplane teleportation to the way ghosts in the classic game Pac-Man teleport when they exit one side of the screen and reappear on the opposite side.
Another flat-Earther, Connor Murphy, offers a more creative perspective. He suggests Earth isn’t flat but dome-shaped, resembling a half-sphere. According to him, there’s no edge to fall off because we’re all enclosed within this dome.
2. YouTube Is Fueling the Rise of Flat-Earthers
The number of flat-Earthers has grown significantly in recent years, leading to annual conferences dedicated to the topic. In 2017 and 2018, researchers from Texas Tech University investigated this trend to understand its cause.
The researchers attended flat-Earth conferences and interviewed 30 believers. Among them, 29 admitted they once believed Earth was round until they encountered YouTube videos “proving” it was flat. Many were watching conspiracy content about 9/11 and the Moon landings when YouTube’s auto-play feature introduced them to flat-Earth theories.
The videos auto-played due to YouTube’s recommendation algorithm. YouTube later announced plans to limit the promotion of “borderline” content, such as controversial theories like flat Earth and dubious remedies, which often spread misinformation. YouTube stated it cannot outright ban flat-Earth videos, as content cannot be removed solely for being false.
1. Another Flat-Earther Plans to Send a Satellite into Space
Rapper Bobby Ray Simmons Jr., known as B.o.B, is another prominent flat-Earther. Unlike Mike Hughes, who aims to view Earth from space, B.o.B wants to launch a satellite to capture images of the flat Earth. He is also taking a different approach by attempting to crowdfund the project, possibly reserving his personal funds for more practical endeavors.
On September 21, 2017, he created a GoFundMe campaign titled “Show B.o.B The Curve,” aiming to raise $1 million to launch one or more satellites into space.
Critics have noted that B.o.B lacks the technical expertise to design or construct a satellite or rocket, even if he secures the necessary funds. Consequently, the project would rely on companies that firmly believe in a spherical Earth, which undermines the credibility of his endeavor. As of this article’s publication, the campaign had garnered $6,924 in donations.
