Proponents of the globe earth model frequently pose the question: If the Earth is truly flat, then why can’t individuals from any location on Earth simply use a telescope to view Mount Everest?
At the outset, it’s imperative to address a fundamental flaw in this query. The question assumes that with the aid of telescopes, we possess the capability to see infinitely far. Such misconceptions have been inadvertently propagated by contemporary astronomers who contend that the celestial bodies they observe—stars and planets—are situated trillions of miles away. Such claims lead many to hypothesize that if telescopes can capture such distant celestial wonders, they should, at a minimum, be able to capture sights as “nearby” as Mount Everest.
Reality, however, offers a different picture. Simple experiments using telescopes or cameras with zoom capabilities ranging from 100 to 200 times will confirm that stars and planets aren’t as far away as often touted. In fact, with the aforementioned tools, one can zoom into these celestial objects with remarkable clarity, a feat that would be implausible if these bodies were genuinely located at astronomical distances.
When our gaze shifts from the upward expanse of space to a horizontal view across Earth, the situation changes. Unlike the largely unhindered view of the cosmos, looking across the Earth is complicated by several factors:
- Perspective and Convergence: These phenomena play significant roles in how we perceive distant objects.
- Angular Resolution and the Vanishing Point: The distance at which objects no longer appear distinguishable.
- Atmospheric Conditions: These include but aren’t limited to pollution, humidity, fog, and mist. These elements can greatly diminish visibility.
Interestingly, the majority of individuals curious about Mount Everest’s visibility through a telescope likely have never handled a telescope. Had they done so, they would understand that the farther one zooms, the greater the distortion until objects become unrecognizable. Additionally, numerous obstacles, such as hills, mountains, buildings, and trees, would obstruct any potential view of Mount Everest.
Let’s delve into some basics of vision. On a clear day, from a vantage point like a beach or plain, the horizon spans approximately three to six miles, influenced by atmospheric conditions and individual eyesight. The human eye’s field of vision ranges from 110 to 1 degree. The smallest discernible object angle is one-sixtieth of one degree. To illustrate, an object needs to be approximately 3,000 times its diameter away from an observer to become invisible. For instance, a penny with a diameter of one inch would be visible up to a distance of 3,000 inches or roughly 250 feet.
While modern telescopes, especially under optimal conditions, enhance our ability to discern objects that are either smaller or farther (or both) by a few hundred times, expecting to see Mount Everest from any global location remains an unfeasible expectation.
In conclusion, while telescopes offer us profound insights into the cosmos and distant objects on Earth, their capabilities have limitations. The query regarding Mount Everest’s visibility from any point on Earth, thus, doesn’t serve as a valid argument against the flat earth hypothesis.