The meme showing a plane seemingly “going over the curve” has sparked laughter, questions, and controversy—especially among those skeptical of the globe Earth model.
At first glance, it appears that a powerful zoom lens has captured a plane vanishing over the Earth’s curvature. But let’s break it down: is what we’re seeing really proof of a curved Earth?
Optical Compression and Perspective
When a zoom lens is used at extreme distances, it compresses perspective. This makes objects appear distorted or “tilted” in unusual ways. What looks like a plane dipping over a curved horizon is more likely a visual artifact caused by lens distortion, perspective compression, and atmospheric conditions.
The Flat Earth View
Flat Earth advocates argue that no camera has ever shown a true curve from the ground or from commercial planes, and that this meme sarcastically mocks the idea of seeing a “curve” with consumer-grade optics. To them, this is not evidence of Earth’s roundness but an example of how images can be misleading.
The Globe Defense
Globe proponents maintain that such visuals are consistent with a curved Earth—especially when taken from high altitudes or extreme distances. But critics ask: if this is solid proof of curvature, why is it inconsistent, and why can’t the curve be seen constantly from higher altitudes or at sea level?
The Bigger Question
Is this image a joke, an illusion, or a clue? It depends on your framework of belief. What’s clear is that both sides see this image as ammunition—either to prove a point or to poke fun at the other.
