Four Issues Confronting the Flat Earth Theory
April 14, 2016
G.D.O'Bradovich III
introduction
As a Great Occultist, we find the controversy that exists between the pro flat earth promoters and established authorities of various disciplines of the modern sciences to be quixotic, at best, and dangerous, at worst. Upon initially being acquainted with flat earth literature, it strikes the typical reader that the position of the “flat earthers” is without reason and hopeless, similar to the proposition that the Egyptian pyramids could not be the product of human reason, human experiences, and human efforts and, therefore, must have their origins either in the distance past or under the supervision of extraterrestrials, or both. If the flat earth idea is without merit, then it should be quickly and demonstrably shown to be lacking in reason and refuted, yet we have not been able to entirely discredit it. We assure the Gentle Reader that we have applied considerable effort to finding the proposition of the flat earth as unreasonable.
In the following observations, we will not entertain fantastic conspiracies concerning world governments and our supposed world overlords, reptilian or otherwise, for these esoteric subjects are beyond my limited competency. Therefore, we will bring to the Gentle Reader's attention four specific topics that are readily accessible to the person of average experiences. The distances of the sun and the moon from the earth's surface will not be discussed, not because these topics are uninteresting, but because, in our mind, these are secondary issues that are properly discussed under the subject of cosmology, not the flat earth theory.
In the following observations, we will not entertain fantastic conspiracies concerning world governments and our supposed world overlords, reptilian or otherwise, for these esoteric subjects are beyond my limited competency. Therefore, we will bring to the Gentle Reader's attention four specific topics that are readily accessible to the person of average experiences. The distances of the sun and the moon from the earth's surface will not be discussed, not because these topics are uninteresting, but because, in our mind, these are secondary issues that are properly discussed under the subject of cosmology, not the flat earth theory.
tidal forces
Authorities maintain that the moon' s gravity “pulls” the earth's oceans upward to create tides, yet tidal forces are not observed on any lakes or rivers. We do not understand why the moon's gravity is effective in “pulling” on the oceans, but ineffectual with other substantial bodies of water. Additionally, if the gravity of the moon is so powerful as to pull the ocean level “up”, we do not understand why the waters do not continue ascending to the moon. If the earth's gravity prevents the oceans from ascending to the moon, then we do not understand how the moon can have any effect on the oceans, that is, there should be no easily observable tidal forces due to the overwhelming influence from the earth's gravity.
rotation of the earth
Authorities explain that the earth rotates on its axis once during a day. The circumference of the earth at the equator is 24,091 miles and, therefore, the equator is moving at a speed of 1,037 miles per hour (24,091 miles divided by 24 hours) and as one moves towards the poles, this speed must decrease as the distance along the latitude decreases. I have not found an adequate explanation for the reason, or the reasons, why the earth is not torn apart due to the stress of differing speeds of rotation, ranging from 1,037 miles per hour at the equator and approaching zero at the north pole.
space as a vacuum
We are told by authorities that the cosmos is a vast vacuum and, since nature hates a vacuum, we would expect that the earth's atmosphere would be “sucked” into that infinite vacuum called outer space, in a moment in a twinkling of an eye, in order to reach an equilibrium We are told by authorities that the earth's gravity keeps the atmosphere on the earth's surface and prevents it from escaping into space. Yet, this powerful earthly gravity that prevents the relativity lighter atmosphere from leaking into infinite space cannot keep the relatively heavier oceans from being affected by tidal forces. Cognitive dissonance is defined as “the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change”. Those who claim the earth's gravity keeps the atmosphere attached to the earth and earth's gravity cannot prevent the oceans from rising, must suffer a form of cognitive dissonance, since they have inconsistent thoughts regarding the power of earth's gravity.
radiation
We feel fortunate to live on our special world, flat or otherwise, where, if one chooses, one can “catch a tan”, without the detriments of lethal cosmic radiation. According to authorities, it is a quirk of the size and shape of our world that the lethal radiation is prevented from reaching the earth's surface, but certain types of radiation can reach the earth's surface. We are grateful that the fields surrounding the earth can discriminate between lethal and nonlethal radiation and limiting, although not eliminating, potentially dangerous levels of certain types of radiation.
concluding thoughts
One of the hallmarks of modern science is the specialization among the various disciplines, that is, these scientists are the master of one narrow aspect of their field. For example, Egyptologists maintain that the granite monuments found in Egypt were carved with copper tools, but as any geologist, whether professional or amateur knows, copper cannot cut granite. Since Egyptologists cannot adequately explain the creation of these monuments, this topic is rarely mentioned in peer reviewed literature. We caution that this reticence is not limited to the “sciences” that lack reproducibility, as the accepted conclusions of our four topics can be legitimately questioned not only by scientists from at least one other discipline, but also those individuals who earnestly seek answers.
As we mentioned in the introduction, the flat earth theory can be dangerous, as it is always dangerous to question the long held opinions of the powerful majority. While conspiracy theorists are driven to find the answer among various malevolent entities, we suggest a more mundane and likely explanation- specialization.
Coelacanths, we are told, have remained roughly in their current form for 400 million years and, although there is nothing extraordinary in this large number, we must conclude that coelacanths have found their perfect, all too perfect niche. It is also reasonable to assume that the coelacanth's habitat has remained relatively stable for hundreds of millions of years, in terms of salinity, temperature, predators and prey. We must also mention they have been exceedingly fortunate, as no accidents, such as worldwide cataclysms or localized destruction, have been detrimental to their longevity.
However, if once accepts the premise that coelacanths are roughly unchanged, but if one questions the existence of 400 million years of an almost perfect balance of salinity, temperature, predators and avoidance of accidents as being improbable, though acknowledging the unlikely possibility, then one must also, by necessity, question the accuracy of the years of their supposed existence. Fortunately for inquiring minds that enjoy research, coelacanths are not the only species that authorities have suggested that have remained unchanged and perfectly adapted for eons.
Therefore, in light of the coelacanth's legendary endurance and refusal to change, We, through the plenitude of Our powers, do decree and ordain that the coelacanth is the Official Saltwater Fish of Our website and henceforth, the coelacanth will be known in Occult Research by the official moniker of “The Capricorn of the Sea”.
We also suggest that issues confronting us have their origin in science, as science is an ambiguous word. If we define “science” strictly in the terms of reproducibility, then many “sciences” will be removed from our discussion. Since we cannot place people in a desert and expect to observe the same development of culture over the course of thousands of years, Egyptology is not a science. Since we cannot observe identical changes over millions of years, evolution is not a science. Our reasonable definition of science removes such studies as cosmology and astrophysics, as we cannot reproduce the sun and the stars. Of course, these, and a multitude of disciplines are founded upon our definition of science, yet their individual evolution from science has created uncertainty due to various assumptions.
For example, how can the flat earth adherents suggest that the sun is only 3,105 miles from the earth, while modern science suggests the distance is closer to 93 million miles? The answer lies in the curvature, or lack thereof, of the earth. If one assumes a flat earth, the distance from the equator to the 45th parallel north is 3,105 miles. This line segment can form a square whose sides measure 3,105 miles. Therefore, the sun is 3,105 miles above the equator and 4,319 miles from the 45th parallel.
If one assumes a curved earth, the distance to the sun is approximately 93 millions miles [I'll forgo the math.]. Under our definition of science, the measurement of the sun's distance from the earth is not science, since there are underlying assumptions concerning the earth's curvature or lack thereof, that greatly impacts the result [93 million miles divided by 3,105 miles= 29,952. The curvature of the spherical earth places the sun roughly 30,000 time farther away than on a flat earth.]
Interestingly, while the creation of ice cubes in a freezer for the express purpose of cooling the adult beverages of a Great Occultist meets our definition of science, the measurement of the sun's distance from the earth does not.
As always, the Gentle Reader will reach their own conclusions.
As we mentioned in the introduction, the flat earth theory can be dangerous, as it is always dangerous to question the long held opinions of the powerful majority. While conspiracy theorists are driven to find the answer among various malevolent entities, we suggest a more mundane and likely explanation- specialization.
Coelacanths, we are told, have remained roughly in their current form for 400 million years and, although there is nothing extraordinary in this large number, we must conclude that coelacanths have found their perfect, all too perfect niche. It is also reasonable to assume that the coelacanth's habitat has remained relatively stable for hundreds of millions of years, in terms of salinity, temperature, predators and prey. We must also mention they have been exceedingly fortunate, as no accidents, such as worldwide cataclysms or localized destruction, have been detrimental to their longevity.
However, if once accepts the premise that coelacanths are roughly unchanged, but if one questions the existence of 400 million years of an almost perfect balance of salinity, temperature, predators and avoidance of accidents as being improbable, though acknowledging the unlikely possibility, then one must also, by necessity, question the accuracy of the years of their supposed existence. Fortunately for inquiring minds that enjoy research, coelacanths are not the only species that authorities have suggested that have remained unchanged and perfectly adapted for eons.
Therefore, in light of the coelacanth's legendary endurance and refusal to change, We, through the plenitude of Our powers, do decree and ordain that the coelacanth is the Official Saltwater Fish of Our website and henceforth, the coelacanth will be known in Occult Research by the official moniker of “The Capricorn of the Sea”.
We also suggest that issues confronting us have their origin in science, as science is an ambiguous word. If we define “science” strictly in the terms of reproducibility, then many “sciences” will be removed from our discussion. Since we cannot place people in a desert and expect to observe the same development of culture over the course of thousands of years, Egyptology is not a science. Since we cannot observe identical changes over millions of years, evolution is not a science. Our reasonable definition of science removes such studies as cosmology and astrophysics, as we cannot reproduce the sun and the stars. Of course, these, and a multitude of disciplines are founded upon our definition of science, yet their individual evolution from science has created uncertainty due to various assumptions.
For example, how can the flat earth adherents suggest that the sun is only 3,105 miles from the earth, while modern science suggests the distance is closer to 93 million miles? The answer lies in the curvature, or lack thereof, of the earth. If one assumes a flat earth, the distance from the equator to the 45th parallel north is 3,105 miles. This line segment can form a square whose sides measure 3,105 miles. Therefore, the sun is 3,105 miles above the equator and 4,319 miles from the 45th parallel.
If one assumes a curved earth, the distance to the sun is approximately 93 millions miles [I'll forgo the math.]. Under our definition of science, the measurement of the sun's distance from the earth is not science, since there are underlying assumptions concerning the earth's curvature or lack thereof, that greatly impacts the result [93 million miles divided by 3,105 miles= 29,952. The curvature of the spherical earth places the sun roughly 30,000 time farther away than on a flat earth.]
Interestingly, while the creation of ice cubes in a freezer for the express purpose of cooling the adult beverages of a Great Occultist meets our definition of science, the measurement of the sun's distance from the earth does not.
As always, the Gentle Reader will reach their own conclusions.