Earths Shape Earths Shape The Earth is not

Earth’s Shape

Earth’s Shape • The Earth is not a perfect sphere • Because of its rotation it is slightly fatter at the equator – This shape is known as an oblate sphere

Evidence of Earth’s Shape 1. Pictures From Space 2. Ships at Sea

Looks like the city is in the water.

Looks like the ship is rising from the water because it is going over the horizon.

Evidence of Earth’s Shape 1. Pictures From Space 2. Ships at Sea 3. Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse When moon passes into Earth’s shadow

Lunar Eclipse The shadow on the Moon is Earth’s shadow. If the shadow is curved the Earth must be curved.

Evidence of Earth’s Shape 1. 2. 3. 4. Pictures From Space Ships at Sea Lunar Eclipse Gravity / weight Measurements

Gravity / Weight Measurements • Gravity weakens as you move further from the center of the Earth • If the Earth was a perfect sphere than an object would weigh the same everywhere on Earth • Objects weigh more at the poles than at equator Larger distance than at poles

Evidence of Earth’s Shape 1. 2. 3. 4. Pictures From Space Ships at Sea Lunar Eclipse Gravity / weight Measurements 5. Changing Altitude of Stars

Polaris Changing Altitude of Stars At the North Pole Polaris is 90 o above the horizon X At lower latitudes Polaris is lower in the sky