When did it become clear that the earth was round?a) At a height of t...
When the jet rose six miles high it was clear that the earth is round.
When did it become clear that the earth was round?a) At a height of t...
When did it become clear that the earth was round?
The understanding that the Earth is round has been a gradual process that evolved over centuries through various scientific observations and discoveries. While there is no specific date or moment when it became clear that the Earth is round, there have been significant milestones that contributed to this understanding. One of these milestones is the concept of the Earth's curvature, which became apparent at a height of six miles.
1. Early Beliefs
- In ancient times, many cultures believed that the Earth was flat. This belief was based on observations of the Earth's flat appearance and limited understanding of natural phenomena.
- Some early Greek philosophers, like Pythagoras and Parmenides, suggested that the Earth was a spherical shape, but their ideas were not widely accepted.
2. Ancient Greek Contributions
- The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to the understanding of the Earth's shape. The philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras was one of the first to propose a spherical Earth based on its shadow during a lunar eclipse.
- Around the 4th century BCE, the Greek philosopher Plato also argued for a spherical Earth, stating that the shape best suited the nature of the universe.
3. Eratosthenes' Calculation
- One of the most notable contributions to proving the Earth's roundness was made by the Greek mathematician and astronomer Eratosthenes in the 3rd century BCE.
- Eratosthenes calculated the Earth's circumference by measuring the angle of the shadow cast by two sticks placed in different locations at the same time.
- His calculations, along with other observations, supported the notion of a spherical Earth.
4. Exploration and Circumnavigation
- The Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries provided further evidence of the Earth's roundness.
- Explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and his crew circumnavigated the globe, proving that the Earth was indeed spherical.
5. Modern Scientific Evidence
- In modern times, advancements in science and technology have provided extensive evidence supporting the Earth's round shape.
- Satellite imagery, space missions, and photographs of Earth from space have provided clear visual evidence of its roundness.
Conclusion
While there is no specific moment when it became clear that the Earth is round, the gradual accumulation of scientific knowledge, observations, and calculations over centuries led to the understanding of its spherical shape. The concept of the Earth's curvature becoming apparent at a height of six miles is a significant milestone in this understanding.