Despite the numerous photographs of Earth taken from space and the overwhelming evidence proving that Earth is a globe, there are still people who aren’t convinced. These individuals, known as flat-Earthers, often believe that these images are photoshopped by NASA for unclear reasons.
One man, Marc Gauld, has devised a solution and is seeking funding for it. Gauld wants to send a flat-Earther into space to witness the truth firsthand and report back. His GoFundMe campaign aims to raise enough money to secure a ticket for a commercial space flight.
“This campaign is to prove to flat-Earthers once and for all that the Earth is round,” Gauld writes on the crowdfunding page. Currently, a seat on a Virgin Galactic flight costs $250,000.
Although it might seem like a waste of money—astrophysicist Dr. Alfredo Carpineti even exclaimed, “f*** them, why should they get to go to space??”—the organizer hopes that flat-Earthers will contribute financially.
“If flat-Earthers truly want to prove the flat Earth theory, I expect most donations to come from the flat-Earther community. The first flights are planned for this year but might be delayed due to the COVID pandemic. However, I hope to have a flat-Earther in space within the next couple of years,” Gauld explains.
If the funds are raised (though this seems unlikely), high-profile flat-Earthers will be able to apply for the space trip. One lucky person will then have the chance to confirm Earth’s shape, though they might be branded a “NASA shill” upon returning and confirming it’s a globe.
Despite the tongue-in-cheek nature of the campaign, Gauld has already reached out to Elon Musk and Richard Branson about securing a slot on a rocket, according to Metro.
“Please get onboard with this as it is in the name of science. It will finally disprove or prove the flat Earth theory, allowing us to put this debate to rest,” Gauld urges. “I am 100% serious about this, and your donations will help stop an unsupported scientific view from hindering real progress.”
While it’s doubtful that this effort will convince die-hard flat-Earthers, it will at least be safer than their attempts to build rockets or sail to the world’s edge.
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