People deny Earth's curve despite overwhelming evidence from high altitudes

The Earth, a planet with a diameter of about 42 million feet (12.8 million meters), presents a unique challenge for observers on its surface. When viewed from our close proximity, all we see is a vast expanse of land and sky, which can give the impression that the planet is flat. This phenomenon is similar to a small insect perched on a circus ball, unable to perceive the curvature due to its minute size relative to the ball. An adult's perspective, even at the highest altitude of Mount Everest (29,035 feet or 8,850 meters), does not allow for the recognition of Earth's spherical form. Only from an altitude of over 6 miles (10 kilometers) can one begin to observe the curvature of the Earth, as the lengthy horizon starts to reveal more of the planet's shape. Perspective plays a critical role in perception of the Earth's form. Standing on the ground, an observer can see approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) in terms of the horizon, which is insufficient to grasp the Earth's True spherical nature. The situation becomes different when an individual is elevated far above the surface, akin to viewing from an airplane or a satellite. In such cases, the Earth presents itself as a ball, allowing for a complete view of its curvature. This has been demonstrated through numerous space missions, granting astronauts and satellites the unique ability to capture breathtaking images of the Earth. However, understanding the Earth's shape does not stop at its appearance from various altitudes. It is important to recognize that while Earth appears roughly spherical, it is not perfectly round. The planet's rotation leads to centrifugal force, causing it to slightly bulge at the equator and flatten near the poles. This distortion in shape is exacerbated by the existence of mountains and deep-sea trenches that create small variations in the gravitational field. Thus, Earth's gravitational pull is not uniform across its entirety, further indicating that the planet's shape is more complex than it may initially seem. These geometric and perceptual traits have contributed to various misconceptions about Earth's shape. The flat Earth theory, for example, is based on a misunderstanding of perspective and the True scale of the planet. Educational resources and space photography have become essential in addressing these misconceptions, allowing for a clearer understanding of the Earth as a dynamic and complex sphere rather than a simple flat surface. The curiosity and inquiries about Earth’s shape, particularly from younger individuals such as Zayden from Corona, California, reflect a broader interest in understanding the real nature of our home planet. Educational discussions surrounding these topics remain crucial, especially in challenging ill-informed beliefs about physics and planetary science.