March 09, 2020

10: Mysterious Flat-Earthers

49 minutes

How do we know that the Earth is round? What would happen if the Earth was really flat - and why don’t we fall off the planet? All these Earth, Space and conspiracy theory related questions (and a whole lot more) are answered by our intrepid science reporters, Jeanna and Mindy.

Below you can find links to further reading on the topics discussed in this episode.

Mystery #1: How do we know the Earth is round?

Scientists have been explaining how we know the Earth is round for more than 2,000 years

Who can forget the iconic "Blue marble" Earth photo taken December 7, 1972, from a distance of over 18,000 miles from the surface by the crew of the Apollo 17 spacecraft traveling to the Moon

Interview with Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Associate Professor in Social and Organizational Psychology, Vrije University Amsterdam on the psychology behind why people believe in conspiracy theories.

Mystery #2: How do Flat-Earthers explain lunar eclipses, equinoxes and why we don't fall off the planet?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth's shadow blocks the sun's light, which otherwise reflects off the moon.

While Flat Earthers believe our planet is flat, they agree that the sun and moon are spherical

NEWS UPDATE with Brandon Specktor, Senior Writer at Live Science on the sad news that ‘Mad’ Mike Hughes Dies In Rocket Crash

Mystery #3: What If the Earth Was Flat?

There would be no atmosphere, because gravity is what keeps the Earth in place

There would also be no Moon because it is linked to Earth by gravity

Don’t forget to subscribe! You can find more answers to life’s little mysteries at the Live Science website and you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook too. Tell us what your life’s little mysteries are at forums.livescience.com.