The age-old debate between “flat-earthers” and proponents of a spherical Earth took a dramatic turn in December 2023 with “The Final Experiment,” a highly publicized expedition to Antarctica. Organized by Colorado pastor Will Duffy, the trip aimed to settle the dispute by observing the 24-hour sun phenomenon, a key piece of evidence supporting the globe model. Four proponents of each side embarked on the all-expenses-paid journey to Union Glacier Camp, a site chosen for its location within the Antarctic Circle where, during the summer solstice, the sun remains above the horizon for a full 24 hours due to the Earth’s axial tilt. This phenomenon contradicts the flat-earth model, which posits Antarctica as an ice wall encircling a flat disc, where the sun should rise and set daily like anywhere else.
The expedition’s live stream from Antarctica captured a significant concession from several prominent flat-earth YouTubers. Jeran Campanella of the popular channel “Jeranism” publicly admitted his error in denying the existence of the 24-hour sun. He acknowledged witnessing the sun circling the sky, urging his viewers to accept the observed reality regardless of his personal beliefs. This admission carried substantial weight, given Jeranism’s significant following within the flat-earth community. Similarly, Austin Whitsitt of “Witsit Gets It,” while maintaining his openness to the flat-earth concept, conceded that the sun’s behavior aligned with the globe-earth predictions, acknowledging they were wrong about the absence of a 24-hour sun.
The expedition was not merely a scientific observation but also aimed to address the conspiracies surrounding Antarctica. Flat-earth proponents have long claimed that the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 prevents independent exploration, particularly during summer, fearing the discovery of evidence supporting their worldview. Pastor Duffy, committed to ending the debate and promoting open inquiry, facilitated the trip to demonstrate the accessibility of Antarctica for observation. The expedition, costing $35,000 per person, aimed to debunk this conspiracy theory and provide firsthand evidence for scrutiny. The flat-earthers’ participation in the experiment itself disproved their claim of restricted access, a key tenet of their belief system.
Despite witnessing the 24-hour sun, Whitsitt sought to reconcile the observation with the flat-earth model. He alluded to a physical demonstration that could potentially explain the phenomenon within a flat-earth framework and suggested that data gathered during the trip could support this alternative interpretation. He emphasized the importance of honesty and humility in the face of new evidence, highlighting the need for continuous investigation. While acknowledging the 24-hour sun as a significant data point, he stopped short of accepting the globe model and maintained his position that the observation didn’t definitively falsify the flat-earth theory.
Lisbeth Acosta of “FlatEarth Gang” focused on the collaborative nature of the expedition, emphasizing the importance of setting aside ego in the pursuit of truth. She lamented the vitriol and entrenched positions often characterizing the flat-earth versus globe-earth debate, advocating for a more open and collaborative approach to understanding the world. While acknowledging the questions raised by the 24-hour sun, she stressed the value of the shared human experience of seeking knowledge together, irrespective of pre-conceived notions. Her perspective highlighted the human element of scientific inquiry, emphasizing cooperation and a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
The Antarctic expedition underscored the complex interplay of belief, evidence, and community within the flat-earth movement. While the 24-hour sun observation led some prominent figures to question their convictions, others sought to reconcile the evidence with their existing worldview. The trip challenged not only the scientific claims of the flat-earth theory but also highlighted the social and psychological dimensions of belief systems. The willingness of some flat-earthers to confront their beliefs in the face of contrary evidence contrasted with the ongoing search for alternative explanations, reflecting the diverse responses within the movement. The expedition, though deemed “The Final Experiment,” may not have definitively settled the flat-earth debate for all, but it undoubtedly marked a turning point in the conversation, bringing the power of direct observation to bear on deeply held beliefs. The willingness of some members of the community to engage in scientific inquiry and critically evaluate their beliefs offers a valuable lesson in the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
