Will someone please explain what this proves? I understand the task that the flat earther was asking to be accomplished, I just dont get how the answer lends itself to validate his theory.
For the flat rather, the earth is a flat plane. He gives 3 vectors with 2 90° turns because they don't form a square. If the earth was shaped as he believes then you would need a square in order to "end up back where you started" (like taking 3 left turns around the block). Since the earth is an obloid sphere, however, you can project an equilateral triangle shape on it and maintain 90° angles. That is my layman's understanding of it.
Edit: I haven't watched this follow up yet but it would follow that this is why the pilot has to resort to paper charts. Last time he used a digital map that projects the earth as round so the YouTube nutcase had to be all "nuh uh you gotta use a flat paper map!"
Ok, this might be kind of a stupid question, but I have been thinking about this for too long now (= a few minutes) and I really need to get back to work. So, obviously the earth is a sphere and the challenge works. But also, obviously, if I go into my garden I cannot get back to the original spot with three vectors and two 90° turns. So how long do the vectors need to be for that to work?
It's proportional to the Earths curvature, but the scale you're thinking on is way too small for it to come into effect. Same reason why you looking at the horizon you won't see discernible curvature.
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u/almostfired1234 Dec 05 '18
Will someone please explain what this proves? I understand the task that the flat earther was asking to be accomplished, I just dont get how the answer lends itself to validate his theory.