Unveiling the Truth: Inside the Flat-Earthers’ Controversial ‘Final Experiment’ in Antarctica

In the quest to prove the Earth is round, many people have used creative methods. Some have looked to the stars, while others rely on photos from space. But fascination with the idea that the Earth is flat persists.

In 2024, a group of flat-Earthers traveled to Antarctica with hopes of settling the debate once and for all. The project, led by pastor Will Duffy, was called “The Final Experiment.” Duffy believed that witnessing the midnight Sun in Antarctica would offer clear proof of the Earth’s shape.

During the summer months, the Southern Hemisphere experiences 24 hours of sunlight. This phenomenon, known as the midnight Sun, is easy to observe from Antarctica. If the Earth were flat, the angle of sunlight wouldn’t create this continuous daylight.

Duffy had personal reasons for undertaking this journey. After discussions with friends who still believed in a flat Earth, he decided to take action. His plan was straightforward: visit Antarctica and show undeniable evidence that the Earth is a sphere.

“After we go to Antarctica, no one has to waste any more time debating the shape of the Earth,” he told reporters. Duffy promised to acknowledge the flat Earth view if the midnight Sun didn’t appear for 24 hours.

Interestingly, some flat-Earthers had claimed that the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 restricted their access to the continent. This was a misconception, as their trip happened as planned in December 2024. Alongside four flat-Earthers were four individuals who believed in a spherical Earth. They documented the midnight Sun during the trip.

The results were unexpected. While some flat-Earthers acknowledged they had been wrong about the midnight Sun, they didn’t entirely abandon their beliefs. Jeran Campanella, one of the flat-Earthers, openly admitted in a recap video, “I realize I was wrong in thinking there was no 24-hour Sun. Now I believe there is.” However, he still questioned the idea of a spherical Earth.

Austin Whitsitt, another flat-Earther, teased that he had ideas on how to reconcile their views despite witnessing the midnight Sun. Discussions like these highlight the complexities of changing deeply held beliefs.

Historically, the understanding of Earth’s shape evolved over centuries. Ancient Greeks first provided evidence of a spherical Earth as far back as the 6th century BCE. Yet, modern day discussions around the shape of the Earth remind us how powerful misinformation can still be.

In the end, even after experiencing the midnight Sun firsthand, the journey didn’t fully shift opinions. It raises questions about belief and evidence. Sometimes, a firsthand experience isn’t enough to change someone’s mind. As we continue to explore our world, it’s crucial to base our understanding on reliable evidence and scientific reasoning.

For more information on the history of Earth’s shape, the history of the flat Earth theory, and its persistence in modern culture, visit the NASA Earth Science Division.

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