Life's Little Mysteries

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 9: Mysterious Flat-Earthers

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By Live Science Staff
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Earth is commonly known to be a sphere — but some people disagree.

Earth rendered as a flat disk floating in space.
(Image credit: Alamy)

In this episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll explore an idea that originated thousands of years ago, and despite plenty of scientific evidence to the contrary, it mysteriously persists today — the notion that the world is flat.

What proof do we have that tells us the Earth is round? How do flat-earthers explain lunar eclipses and equinoxes, and why we don't fall off the planet? What would happen if the Earth really was flat? Listen to Life's Little Mysteries 9: Mysterious Flat-Earthers, to find out! 

We'll also hear about the late "Mad" Mike Hughes and his attempts to self-launch a rocket to see Earth's curve, and a psychology professor explains the factors that shape persistent belief in a flat Earth (and in other conspiracy theories).

Co-hosts: Jeanna Bryner and Mindy Weisberger

Guests: Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Associate Professor in Social and Organizational Psychology at Vrije University, Amsterdam; Brandon Specktor, senior writer at Live Science

Listen to Life's Little Mysteries 9: Mysterious Flat-Earthers below, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, so you don’t miss out on new episodes.

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Originally published on Live Science.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.
2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • knowledge
    I really am amazed at the thought the earth is flat. So all the photos taken of our beautiful home, in all it's spherical wonder, are bunk? Ridiculous. And I suppose the curvature seen on Mt. Everest is an illusion? Ridiculous. I am sorry, I would not waste my breath talking to a flat earther. It's ridiculous. You need a space trip.
    Reply
  • exodatum
    @25:50ish... I know Pluto is small and has taken a few hits to pride recently, but to call it a dork planet? Jeanna! very unkind; I think Pluto is lovely and wonderful.
    Reply