If Earth spins ~1 000 mph we’d be flung off—or at least feel it.
Quick reality-check: What matters is acceleration, not speed. The outward (centrifugal) acceleration at the equator is only ≈0.003 g—about what you feel when driving around a gentle bend. The Foucault pendulum and Coriolis-driven storm rotation are the subtle mechanical fingerprints of that spin.
Why is this claim made?
The claim is based on a misunderstanding of physics, confusing linear speed with acceleration. Flat-Earth proponents expect to feel the effect of Earth's spin as a force, not realizing the effect is minuscule compared to gravity.
Why the claim doesn’t work
At the equator, centrifugal acceleration is only about 0.3% of gravity. This is imperceptible in daily life but measurable with sensitive instruments. Weather systems and Foucault pendulums demonstrate Earth's rotation.
Evidence against the claim
- Foucault pendulum experiments show Earth's rotation in real time.
- Coriolis effect explains the rotation direction of storms in each hemisphere.
- Physics World and Smithsonian Institution have detailed demonstrations and explanations.
Kitchen demo: Start a bowl of water turning slowly; once it’s moving uniformly the surface looks calm—constant velocity is imperceptible without an external reference.
Summary
The claim confuses speed with acceleration. The effects of Earth's spin are subtle but measurable and are confirmed by both physics and direct observation.
Links to additional resources