Exploring the Hypothetical Flat Earth: Can an Aeroplane Cross the Edge?

If we entertain the hypothetical idea that the Earth is flat, the concept of an aeroplane crossing the edge becomes a intriguing thought experiment. In this scenario, the outcome would depend on the rules of that theory. Some might argue that the airplane could simply fly off the edge, while others might propose that there is some form of barrier preventing that from happening.

However, it is essential to note that the scientific consensus, supported by extensive evidence from various fields like astronomy, physics, and geology, confirms that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Therefore, in reality, airplanes do not encounter an edge when flying around the Earth. Instead, they can travel continuously in any direction, returning to their starting point if they fly far enough. This is due to the Earth's round shape, which means there is no edge for an aeroplane to cross.

What if the Earth is Not Spherical?

If by "round" you mean spherical, the answer is no because spheres have no edges. If you mean "round" like a pizza, which is coincidentally the model that flat-Earthers use, then the answer depends on the physics of that world. However, such a physics would not be anything like ours because the world would have formed as a sphere otherwise. In our universe, the term "physics" refers to the system of scientific laws governing the interaction of bodies large and small. If you are unfamiliar with the term "science," it refers to the systematic and logical approach to discovering how the world functions.

Flat Earth and the Edge of the World

Some flat-Earthers believe that if the Earth is flat like a piece of paper, planes can fly off the edge and then reappear on the other side. However, in the real world, where extensive scientific evidence supports the Earth's spherical shape, planes can cross the southernmost continent, Antarctica, without encountering an edge. Every year, airplanes cross Antarctica from coast to coast, often refueling at the South Pole. In some cases, private flights have also crossed the continent using extra fuel tanks to avoid refueling at bases, which can be expensive and difficult to reach due to the scarcity of refueling options.

Therefore, for the Earth to be flat, some form of invisible time and space-warping portals would need to exist around the edges. However, these portals would quickly become detectable, as they would violate established physical laws. The magical nature of these portals, taking aeroplanes instantly to the correct location on a globe, defies known science and practical possibility.

Summary

Upon closer examination, the flat Earth theory not only contradicts well-established scientific evidence but also raises numerous practical questions. The idea of an aeroplane crossing the edge of a flat Earth is a thought-provoking concept, but it remains firmly within the realm of speculation and ignores the vast body of evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape.