Explaining the Sun's Horizon Disappearance and Flat-Earth Fallacies

Flat-Earthers often struggle to reconcile the sunset phenomenon with their belief that the Earth is a flat plane. Just how does a round sun that barely changes size manage to disappear behind the horizon? In this article, we will explore these concepts and debunk the flat-earth fallacies using simple tests and logical explanations.

Simple Tests to Count the Evidence

Anyone can conduct basic experiments to demonstrate that the sun and moon have constant angular sizes whether they are high in the sky or on the horizon. This can be done using a known object held at arm's length during various moon phases. However, caution must be exercised when approaching such experiments with the Sun due to safety concerns.

One effective method involves building a cross-staff. You can modify the design found in many online resources to measure the angular size of celestial bodies like the moon at different heights.

Alternatively, photography can provide photographic evidence. For optimal results, use the same camera and settings for all pictures. Results will show that the image scale remains consistent despite the sun's apparent position in the sky. Flat-Earth advocates may argue that the sun and moon simply move beyond our visual range, a claim that grows increasingly absurd with each iteration.

Flat-Earthers on Sunset Allegories

Some flat-Earthers suggest that the sun appears to move through the sky in a way similar to an object gradually moving away and disappearing. This notion is directly contradicting observational evidence and physical laws. If the sun were to disappear gradually, it would not only appear smaller but would continuously shrink, not maintaining a consistent size as it descends towards the horizon.

For argument's sake, let's assume the Earth is flat and the sun is only a few miles away (which is dramatically incorrect but for the sake of discussion). The sun would not cross the horizon; instead, it would slowly recede, maintaining its size and shape. This does not match the observed behavior of the sun.

Flat Disk Hypothesis and Celestial Phenomena

Imagine the sun as a flat disk. If the Earth were a flat plane, the sun should appear to remain a circle and gradually descend towards the horizon, never crossing it. This illustrates the impracticality of the flat-earth hypothesis and the importance of empirical observation over imagination.

A round sun at a great distance explains the consistence in its apparent size and shape as it moves from high in the sky to just touching the horizon. This phenomenon is well-established and can be observed worldwide, making it the most accurate explanation for the sunset.

Imagine the sun as a distant sphere, millions of miles away, and the Earth as a rotating globe. As the sun sets, it appears to stay the same size and shape until it "hits" the horizon, after which it visibly crosses and sinks below, a process we can observe every day.

Ultimately, the consistent and observable behavior of the sun suggests that our model of a spherical Earth revolving in space is the correct one. Simple tests and visual evidence provide clear arguments against flat-earth beliefs and support the scientific understanding of our planet's geometry.