Experiment: Global Observation of Solar and Weather Events

Hypothesis: The Earth is a globe. Observations of solar and weather events from geographically diverse locations will be consistent with satellite imagery, supporting the globe Earth model.

Experiment:

1. Participants: Recruit volunteer observers in each of the following cities, chosen for their wide distribution across the Earth's landmass:

   • North America: Barrow, Alaska, USA; New York City, USA; Mexico City, Mexico.

   • South America: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Quito, Ecuador; Ushuaia, Argentina.

   • Europe: London, England; Moscow, Russia.

   • Africa: Cairo, Egypt; Nairobi, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa.

   • Asia: Vladivostok, Russia; Beijing, China; Mumbai, India.

   • Australia/Oceania: Sydney, Australia; Perth, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand.

2. Observation Period: Conduct the experiment over a period of one month.

3. Daily Observations: Each participant will record the following data daily at their location:

   • Sunrise Time: Precise time of the first appearance of the sun above the horizon (using a reliable timekeeping device synchronized to UTC).

   • Sunset Time: Precise time of the sun's complete disappearance below the horizon (using a reliable timekeeping device synchronized to UTC).

   • Cloud Cover: Estimate the percentage of the sky covered by clouds at three specific times: midday (local solar noon), sunset, and sunrise.

   • Weather Conditions: Note significant weather events like rain, snow, storms, etc., and their approximate start and end times (using UTC).

4. Data Collection: Participants will submit their daily observations through a standardized online form or spreadsheet. This form should include fields for date, time (in UTC), location, and each observation category.

5. Satellite Data: Obtain daily satellite imagery of cloud cover and weather patterns from reputable sources like U.S., Europe, India, China, Russia, and Japan. Ensure the imagery timestamps correspond with the observation times (UTC).

Evaluate Data:

1. Compare Sunrise/Sunset Times: Analyze the recorded sunrise and sunset times across the different locations. On a flat Earth, these times should be more similar across the globe. On a globe Earth, significant variations should be observed due to the Earth's curvature and rotation. Pay particular attention to the differences between cities at extreme eastern and western longitudes, and between cities at high and low latitudes.

2. Correlate Cloud Cover and Weather Events: Compare the participants' observations of cloud cover and weather events with the corresponding satellite imagery. Note the consistency or discrepancies between ground observations and satellite data. Look for specific weather patterns moving across the globe as seen from both ground and satellite perspectives.

3. Analyze Patterns: Look for patterns in the data that support either a globe or flat Earth model. For example:

   • Length of Daylight: Compare the length of daylight hours across different latitudes. This should vary significantly on a globe Earth due to the tilt of its axis.

   • Direction of Sunrise/Sunset: Note the direction of sunrise and sunset. On a globe Earth, these should vary depending on latitude and time of year.

Conclusion:

Based on the comparison between ground observations and satellite data, draw a conclusion about the shape of the Earth.

• If the observations consistently align with the satellite imagery and show patterns consistent with a rotating globe, this provides strong evidence for the globe Earth hypothesis.

• If the observations significantly contradict the satellite imagery or show patterns more consistent with a flat Earth, this would challenge the globe Earth hypothesis. However, consider potential sources of error in the observations before drawing definitive conclusions.

Potential Sources of Error:

• Observer Error: Inaccuracies in recording times or estimating cloud cover. Emphasize the need for precise timekeeping and consistent observation methods.

• Local Obstructions: Buildings or mountains blocking the horizon and affecting sunrise/sunset times. Participants should choose observation locations with clear views of the horizon.

• Atmospheric Conditions: Refraction of light through the atmosphere can slightly alter the apparent position of the sun. This effect is generally small and predictable, but should be acknowledged.

By carefully conducting this experiment and analyzing the data, you can gain valuable insights into the shape of our planet. Remember to be thorough, objective, and consider all potential sources of error.