In the case of the shape of the Universe I am guided by current scientific opinion which suggests that the whole universe is flat.
Until new observational or mathematical evidence is available this is something that we should accept.
Since the whole universe is flat it goes without saying that the earth has to be flat too as a 3D sphere cannot fit into a flat surface.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_of_the_universe
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It's time to use chatgpt now after some own research.
Is the Universe flat?
The current understanding of the universe, based on observations and cosmological models, is that the universe is flat (or very close to flat) on large scales. This conclusion comes from measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the large-scale distribution of galaxies, and the relationship between the universe's density and its geometry.
What does "flat" mean in this context?
In cosmology, the "shape" of the universe is determined by its overall geometry:
1. Flat Universe: Parallel lines remain parallel forever, and the angles of a triangle add up to 180°. This corresponds to a critical density of matter and energy.
2. Closed Universe: A spherical geometry where parallel lines eventually converge, and the angles of a triangle add up to more than 180°. The universe would eventually stop expanding and collapse.
3. Open Universe: A hyperbolic or saddle-shaped geometry where parallel lines diverge, and the angles of a triangle add up to less than 180°. The universe expands forever.
Evidence for a Flat Universe:
1. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): Data from the Planck satellite and earlier missions like WMAP show patterns in the CMB consistent with a flat universe.
2. Critical Density: Observations suggest that the total density of the universe (matter + dark energy) is very close to the critical density, which implies flatness.
3. Large-Scale Structure: Distribution of galaxies and other matter supports a flat geometry.
While the universe might not be perfectly flat, any deviation is so small that it is undetectable with current instruments.
Is the earth flat?
No, the Earth is not flat. The Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. This has been confirmed through centuries of observation, measurement, and scientific study.
Evidence Supporting a Spherical Earth:
1. Astronomical Observations:
The Earth casts a round shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse.
Other celestial bodies, like the Sun and Moon, are round, suggesting the Earth follows the same pattern.
2. Photographic Evidence:
Satellites and astronauts have taken countless photos of Earth from space, showing its spherical shape.
3. Gravity:
A flat Earth would have uneven gravitational effects, but on a spherical Earth, gravity pulls objects toward the center uniformly.
4. Travel and Navigation:
Ships and planes can travel around the world, and modern navigation relies on a spherical Earth model.
Observing ships disappear hull-first over the horizon demonstrates the Earth's curvature.
5. Geodesy:
Measurements of Earth's surface using GPS and other technologies confirm its shape and size.
6. Day and Night:
The progression of day and night across the globe is consistent with a rotating sphere.
The flat Earth idea has been thoroughly debunked through science, though some groups still promote it due to misconceptions or skepticism about mainstream science.
