Flat Earth Nerd

Celestial Mechanics

Stellar Parallax

Contrasts naked-eye stability of stars with telescope measurements. ?? Model.Debate.Description

Focus

Is the lack of visible parallax fatal to the heliocentric model?

Tags

stars · parallax

Stellar Parallax

Debate summary

Flat earthers argue stars show no shift over centuries. Scientists point to milli-arcsecond measurements from modern instruments and vast distances.

Related links

Questions & answers

Why can't we see parallax with the naked eye?

Flat Earth stance

Because stars are close and fixed; movement would be obvious otherwise.

Scientist stance

Distances are enormous; parallax is sub-arcsecond and needs instruments.

Rebuttal

Instrumental claims rely on assumptions about baselines and calibration.

Why can't we see parallax with the naked eye?

Flat Earth stance

Because stars are close and fixed; movement would be obvious otherwise.

Scientist stance

Distances are enormous; parallax is sub-arcsecond and needs instruments.

Rebuttal

Instrumental claims rely on assumptions about baselines and calibration.

If the Earth is moving, why do stars appear stationary?

Flat Earth stance

The stars are fixed in a dome above us; they don’t move.

Scientist stance

Stars are at vast distances; their motion is too small to perceive without precise tools.

Rebuttal

If stars are stationary, their positions wouldn't change over centuries, contradicting observations.

How can we trust measurements from telescopes?

Flat Earth stance

Telescopes can be manipulated; I trust what I see with my own eyes.

Scientist stance

Telescopes use precise measurements and have been validated through peer review.

Rebuttal

Personal observation lacks the accuracy of scientific instruments; empirical data is essential.

What about the lack of observable curvature from high altitudes?

Flat Earth stance

From planes and mountains, the Earth looks flat; it should curve if it's a globe.

Scientist stance

Curvature is subtle; the horizon appears flat due to the scale of the Earth.

Rebuttal

The curvature is measurable with specific instruments; personal observation is limited.

Why do we have different star constellations in different hemispheres?

Flat Earth stance

Constellations are just patterns; they don’t prove a globe.

Scientist stance

Different perspectives from each hemisphere reveal the spherical nature of Earth.

Rebuttal

If Earth were flat, all constellations would be visible from anywhere, which is not the case.