logo
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 2 of 2 1 2
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
OP Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
You're quite right, Angie, it had been known since the time of the ancient Greeks that the Earth was a spheroid. And within the limits of the methods that were available, there was a calculation of the size of the Earth that was pretty good.

Columbus however didn't know how large the Earth was, and refused to accept the best calculations of its size. It's why the learned folk didn't want to support his voyage - not because they thought he'd drop off the edge, but that he would run out of food and water before he got to Asia. In fact, that's what would have happened if the Americas hadn't been there. He maintained to his dying day that he *had* reached islands off the coast of Asia.

Sponsored Post Advertisement
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,111
Likes: 52
A
Chimpanzee
Offline
Chimpanzee
A
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,111
Likes: 52
The ancients knew their math and studied the heavens. I'm sure they had a pretty good handle on the measurements!

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
OP Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
This made me laugh: The photo NASA doesn't want you to see. But I miss Terry Pratchett - no more of his wonderful books.

Page 2 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  Mona - Astronomy 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Brand New Posts
Make It Sew Easier
by Cheryl - Sewing Editor - 03/27/24 04:34 PM
2024 - on this day in the past ...
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/27/24 01:31 PM
Planner Template Kit - Weekly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:39 PM
Planner Template Kit - Yearly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:37 PM
How to Use Digital Planner Template Kit
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:36 PM
Review - 20 Illustrator Color tips Helen Bradley
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:32 PM
March Equinox to June Solstice
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/26/24 12:27 PM
Hobotrader unleashes never seen opportunity with i
by Jamal molla - 03/26/24 11:55 AM
Psalm for the day
by Angie - 03/25/24 09:05 AM
Genealogy, Sort of
by Angie - 03/24/24 05:39 PM
Sponsor
Safety
We take forum safety very seriously here at BellaOnline. Please be sure to read through our Forum Guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!
Privacy
This forum uses cookies to ensure smooth navigation from page to page of a thread. If you choose to register and provide your email, that email is solely used to get your password to you and updates on any topics you choose to watch. Nothing else. Ask with any questions!


| About BellaOnline | Privacy Policy | Advertising | Become an Editor |
Website copyright © 2022 Minerva WebWorks LLC. All rights reserved.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5