That, my friends, is a headline I never thought I’d have to type, but it’s 2019 and here we are!
Forbes is reporting that outspoken flat-Earthers are planning a trek toward Antarctica to find out what the deal is with this whole South Pole thing. According to Jay Decasby,
“All we have to do to shut this debate down once and for all is get the distance of the coast of Antarctica. If we can get to the coast of Antarctica and sail all the way around it, we will get the distance that will prove it’s the outer edges of flat earth and refute entirely every single argument anyone can possibly try to pitch for the sun-worshipping cult of heliocentrism.”
Image Credit: Pixabay
He does not, however, put forth a plan on how to handle not falling off the edge he expects to find there and disappearing into space.
YouTuber Logan Paul has expressed interest in joining the expedition, saying that if he’s “going to put [his] name out there as a Flat Earth supporter, [he wants] to know the facts. [He is] that guy that will make it to the edge.”
It’s hard to say whether or not these people are serious, or if they’re just enjoying their five minutes of trolling fame. They do seem to realize that the Antarctic Treaty of 1961 could make their trek difficult, if not impossible – it strongly restricts private exploration with the aim of denying territorial sovereignty, but does allow for “freedom of scientific investigation.”
Image Credit: Pixabay
I’m not sure “to prove the Earth is flat” counts as science, but, if I remember right, I guess all you need is a hypothesis and a solid experiment to technically qualify.
For what it’s worth, many people have crossed Antarctica and documented the process, so the idea that Antarctica is harboring a 150 foot Ice Wall for the purpose of obstructing explorers from seeing what’s on the other side is obvious hooey to anyone who doesn’t subscribe to conspiracy theories.
Or read a lot of George R.R. Martin.
In case this Antarctic expedition doesn’t come to fruition, we can still be entertained – another flat-Earther has a more modest plan to cruise across the world’s oceans sometime next year.
What a relief.
