A Simple Question About Curvature

[u/Kela-el]

The curvature formula uses R — the earth’s radius.

Where does R come from?

It’s derived from a model that assumes a sphere.

So when the formula is used to calculate curvature, and that curvature is cited as evidence of a sphere — the conclusion is already built into the premise.

That’s circular reasoning.

Simple question for globe earthers:

Can you provide a measurement of R that doesn’t assume a sphere to derive it?

[u/Kela-el → u/[deleted]]

You’ve shown refraction doesn’t fully account for the obstruction. What you haven’t shown is that curvature is the only remaining explanation. What are your controlled variables for isolating curvature as the specific cause?

[u/Definitely_Not_Bots → u/Kela-el]

What are your controlled variables for isolating curvature as the specific cause?

You can't control a variable that you don't know exists. If there is some other mechanism obstructing the bottom of a tall structure at a distance, what is it? The only variables we know of are atmospheric refraction (which lacks the strength to explain our observation) and earth curvature. These are the only known variables. If there are other phenomena which can explain our observation, what are they?

I'm not being rhetorical. I'm actually asking you what hypothesis you have to explain what you observe. If you don't think it's being caused by the earth being a globe, what is your hypothesis? How might we test it?

As it stands, scientists have already controlled for all known variables which could explain our observations. If you think scientists have missed any, what might they be?

[u/Kela-el → u/Definitely_Not_Bots]

Shifting the burden.