The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) actively hosts discussions, webinars, and seminars on industry trends. One ongoing topic of interest that has been circulating has been the debate over whether the Earth is spherical or flat.
Early Greek thinkers hypothesized that the Earth was round and accurately estimated its circumference. Lunar eclipses showed a curved shadow which supported this view. Then in the 20th century photographic proof became available.
Moreover, aviation enabled photographers to capture Earth’s curvature from high altitudes, and subsequent advancements in space exploration provided increasingly detailed images.
Despite this seemingly irrefutable proof, the question still arises: is it round?
EIT challenged its student ambassadors with this question: “As an engineer, how can you prove the Earth is round?”
Photos and Trigonometry
Master’s student, Pritish Gandhi, studying a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) at EIT’s Perth campus, discusses the use of satellite photos and spherical trigonometry.
“In my capacity as an engineer, I would begin by referring to satellite photos, which undeniably depict Earth as a sphere from orbit. I have also seen firsthand how the horizon curves; seeing ships sail off, hull first, is a remarkable confirmation of this.
I would also use spherical trigonometry to determine airline routes, which guarantees precise and effective travel. These real-world encounters along with trigonometry, clearly support the idea that the Earth is round.”
The Role of Gravity
Expertise from a Master’s student, Mike Kemboi, studying a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) at EIT’s Melbourne campus, explores gravity.
“The debate over whether the Earth is round or flat is intriguing, with numerous theories and analogies put forward by different individuals. In my assessment, I strongly affirm that the Earth is a spherical planet.
A spherical Earth is a more rational and practical explanation of the planet’s geometric shape. Gravity, a fundamental force in mechanical engineering, supports this perspective. On a spherical Earth, all forms of matter on its surface are uniformly attracted towards the planet’s center. This phenomenon is consistently demonstrated in scientific experiments.
Conversely, a flat Earth would invalidate the concept of gravity, as gravity would draw matter towards an indefinite reference point. This suggests that on the edges of a flat Earth, substances such as ocean water would spill into space due to gravity. However, ocean water from all continents is visibly drawn towards the Earth’s center, confirming that gravity acts towards a specific center. Therefore, a spherical Earth is the most plausible explanation to support this phenomenon.”
Visual Experiments
Demonstrations from Master’s student, Hermanus Scholtz, studying a Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) online with EIT, maintains a factual yet fun way to go about proving the Earth is round.
“Here are some fun ways, with cool tools, to see how the Earth is round:
- Peek-a-Boo Boats with Binoculars: When you’re at the beach, look at boats far away using binoculars. They don’t just get smaller; they disappear bottom-first! That’s because they’re going over the curve of our big, round Earth. It’s like magic!
- Round Shadows with a Flashlight: During a lunar eclipse, when the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, it’s always round. To make shadows on the wall, try using a flashlight and a ball. See how the shadow is round? Only a ball makes a round shadow every time!
- Flying High with a GPS: When you go up, up, up in an airplane, a GPS can show you the Earth’s curve if you look out the window. It looks like the edge of a ball! A GPS is like a magic map that tells you where you are on Earth.”
Physics, Electronics and Empirical Evidence
Bachelor’s student, Ilana Villani, studying a Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) online with EIT, takes a very deliberate route to prove the Earth is round.
“From an electrical engineering perspective, I would approach the proof of Earth’s roundness using principles of physics, electronics, and empirical evidence.
Firstly, one of the best proofs is satellite communication. Satellites orbit the Earth due to its gravitational pull, and this is consistent with its spherical shape. The global positioning system (GPS) relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. Satellites maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface, which can only occur because they orbit a sphere at an altitude where their orbital period matches the Earth’s rotation period. This would be inexplicable if the Earth were flat.
Another conclusive proof is that radio waves travel in straight lines, and the curvature of the Earth affects how these signals are received. The phenomenon of radio waves reaching beyond the horizon is due to their reflection off the ionosphere, a layer of the atmosphere containing ions and free electrons. If the Earth were flat, radio waves could travel indefinitely in a straight line, making long-distance communication without significant signal loss or unexpected interference. Therefore, the concept that signals can only travel directly without obstruction further supports the Earth’s curvature, as antennas must be elevated to extend communication range beyond the horizon.
Lastly, the design of electrical grids and power lines also considers the Earth’s curvature. Over long distances, the curvature impacts the tension and sags in power lines, requiring calculations to ensure stability and efficiency. The curvature of the Earth requires adjustments in the height and tension of power lines to maintain consistent electrical transmission and avoid power losses.
This all collectively and conclusively demonstrate that the Earth is round, not flat.”
A Holistic Approach
Felice Cacucci, studying the 52884WA Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering Technology online with EIT, offers a comprehensive approach that encompasses all aspects and applications.
“As an industrial piping designer with an advanced diploma in mechanical engineering, I rely on scientific principles and practical evidence to approach problems.
Firstly, observations from space provide irrefutable evidence. Satellites and astronauts have captured countless images of Earth, consistently showing a spherical planet. The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting Earth, provides continuous visual confirmation of our planet’s curvature.
Furthermore, practical observations such as the behavior of ships on the horizon support the Earth’s roundness. When a ship sails away, it gradually disappears from the bottom up due to the Earth’s curvature. On a flat Earth, the entire ship would remain visible, only appearing smaller as it recedes.
In my field, the design and installation of pipelines and support structures must account for the Earth’s curvature. Over long distances, engineers must consider this curvature to ensure proper alignment and functionality. Ignoring the curvature would result in significant inaccuracies and structural issues.
Gravitational consistency also indicates a spherical Earth. Gravity pulls objects toward the center of mass, resulting in a consistent gravitational pull across a spherical surface. If the Earth were flat, gravitational forces would vary drastically across the surface, leading to observable inconsistencies in everyday life and engineering measurements.
Global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite technology further demonstrate Earth’s roundness. These systems rely on a network of satellites orbiting a spherical Earth. The accuracy and functionality of GPS depend on precise calculations based on Earth’s curvature.
Additionally, the existence of time zones is a result of Earth’s rotation. Different parts of the Earth receive sunlight and darkness at different times, creating distinct time zones. On a flat Earth, this phenomenon would not occur, as all areas would experience the same time simultaneously.
Lastly, geodetic surveys and measurements, essential in my work for mapping and layout design, show that Earth is an oblate spheroid, slightly flattened at the poles. This data is crucial for accurate planning and construction in various engineering projects.
These facts collectively and robustly prove that the Earth is round, not flat.”
Although diverse, all perspectives from EIT’s expert student ambassadors reaffirm Earth’s spherical nature through empirical data, technological advancements, and practical observations. These insights collectively debunk flat Earth theories and underscore the importance of scientific rigor in engineering.
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