An anonymous donor has generously contributed $120,000 to WLC, earmarked exclusively for a scientific experiment to test the Earth’s geometry.

What is the actual geometric shape of the Earth?

For years, discussions about the earth’s shape have largely taken place through competing interpretations of photographs, historical documents, mathematical models, satellite data, and personal testimony. WLC believes that a question this important deserves something better. It deserves a carefully designed, transparent, independently observed physical experiment in which the competing predictions are established before the measurements are taken.

WLC is therefore announcing its willingness to facilitate a $120,000 open geodetic experiment that uses high-precision terrestrial surveying along an expansive, unobstructed baseline. The purpose is not to begin by declaring that the globe is wrong. Nor is it to begin by assuming that the globe is right. The purpose is to determine which geometric model most accurately predicts the actual measurements.

WLC’s Commitment Comes First

WLC will accept the outcome of the experiment regardless of whether the results support or contradict the globe model.

Before the first measurement is made, WLC is making the following commitment:

WLC will accept the outcome of the experiment regardless of whether the results support or contradict the globe model.

If the measurements support the spherical or oblate-spheroid model used in modern geodesy, WLC will acknowledge that result.

If the measurements contradict that model and instead consistently support a planar geometry, WLC will acknowledge that result.

WLC will not change the rules after seeing the data.

We will not selectively discard measurements because they disagree with our expectations. We will not redefine the experiment after the results are known. We will not ask people to accept a conclusion merely because it comes from WLC.

The experimental protocol, mathematical predictions, measurement procedures, and criteria for evaluating the results should all be established before the principal observations begin.

That is what makes this a test rather than a demonstration.

What Will Be Tested?

The proposed experiment will investigate the geometric relationship between widely separated points across a large, relatively unobstructed body of water.

The first proposed location is Lake Michigan, where a sufficiently long baseline can be established without requiring access to Antarctica or any other geopolitically restricted region.

The experiment will use professional surveying equipment and independent observers to measure the precise angular and vertical relationships between multiple stations.

Rather than simply asking whether a distant object can be seen or appears to disappear, the experiment will ask a much more precise question:

What three-dimensional geometry is actually measured between the observation points?

A spherical Earth makes specific mathematical predictions concerning the relationship between distance, elevation, and angular position. A genuinely planar surface makes different predictions.

Those predictions can be calculated before the observations are made.

The experiment will therefore compare the measured results against the quantitative predictions of the competing geometrical models.

A Multi-Station Experiment

WLC does not propose to repeat the historical Bedford Level experiment in its simplest form.

Instead, we intend to use a modern, multi-station design.

A possible arrangement would be:

A —— B —— C —— D —— E

with stations separated by substantial distances.

Measurements would be made between multiple combinations of stations and, wherever practical, in both directions.

The purpose is to prevent the conclusion from depending upon one observer, one instrument, one line of sight, one atmospheric condition, or one particular location.

Each station would use carefully calibrated surveying equipment, appropriate optical targets, and meteorological instruments.

The experiment would also record temperature, pressure, humidity, and other environmental conditions to measure and properly account for atmospheric refraction.

This point is particularly important.

WLC does not want an experiment in which one side simply says, “The target disappeared,” while the other side says, “Atmospheric refraction explains it.”

We want the atmospheric conditions measured and included in the analysis.

The question should be decided by numbers, not arguments.

No Dependence on GPS or Satellite Imagery

The principal geometrical test will be based upon terrestrial measurements.

We do not want the central question to become a debate over whether GPS, satellite imagery, or a particular space agency has already assumed the shape of the Earth.

Modern satellite-based geodesy is extremely sophisticated, but for this particular experiment we want the primary measurement to be independently understandable and independently reproducible on the ground.

Professional optical surveying instruments, precision leveling equipment, calibrated targets, and meteorological instruments can provide the necessary observations.

Other technologies may be used as secondary checks, but they will not be the foundation of the primary test.

Atmospheric Refraction Will Not Be Ignored

One of the most common weaknesses in historical long-distance curvature experiments has been the treatment of atmospheric refraction.

WLC therefore proposes that this issue be addressed openly from the beginning.

Temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and vertical atmospheric gradients should be measured throughout the experiment.

Measurements should be repeated under different atmospheric conditions whenever practical.

The objective is not to eliminate every environmental variable. That would be unrealistic. The objective is to measure the variables that could materially affect the observations and incorporate them into the analysis.

Any serious criticism of the experiment should therefore address the actual measured data rather than merely stating that refraction might exist.

Independent Observers Are Invited

WLC does not want this experiment to be controlled exclusively by WLC. We therefore extend an open invitation to: Professional land surveyors; Geodesists and physicists; University researchers; Globe-model advocates; Researchers who believe the Earth is stationary and planar; Independent journalists and documentary producers.

WLC does not want this experiment to be controlled exclusively by WLC.

We therefore extend an open invitation to:

Professional land surveyors.

We invite experienced surveyors to participate in designing the measurement protocol, calibrating equipment, conducting observations, and reviewing the data.

Geodesists and physicists.

We invite researchers working in Earth’s geometry, geodesy, atmospheric optics, surveying, astronomy, and related disciplines to examine the proposed methodology and recommend improvements.

University researchers.

We invite universities and research institutions to participate directly or independently reproduce the experiment.

Globe-model advocates.

We particularly invite people who are convinced that the Earth is a globe to participate.

If you believe the globe model is correct, WLC wants you at the experiment.

Bring your expertise.

Bring your questions.

Bring your own instruments if appropriate.

Inspect the equipment.

Examine the calibration.

Challenge the protocol.

Observe the measurements.

Analyze the data.

If you believe WLC has made an error, we want you to identify it.

Researchers who believe the Earth is stationary and planar.

You are equally invited.

WLC does not want participants who will simply defend WLC’s position. We want participants who will test it.

Independent journalists and documentary producers.

We invite journalists and documentary teams to observe and document the entire process.

The public should be able to see how the experiment is conducted, how the measurements are obtained, and how the final conclusions are reached.

The Rules Must Be Agreed Upon Beforehand

The experimental rules must be established before the decisive measurements are collected. Once the experiment begins, the rules should not be changed merely because the results are unexpected.

This may be the most important feature of the entire project.

The experimental rules must be established before the decisive measurements are collected.

The participants should agree beforehand upon:

• the precise observation locations;
• the baseline distances;
• the instruments to be used;
• calibration procedures;
• observer and target heights;
• atmospheric measurements;
• observation times;
• acceptable environmental conditions;
• mathematical equations;
• statistical procedures;
• treatment of outliers;
• treatment of atmospheric refraction;
• criteria for rejecting faulty measurements;
• and the method for comparing competing models.

Once the experiment begins, the rules should not be changed merely because the results are unexpected.

Blind Analysis Where Practical

WLC would also welcome a blind-analysis procedure.

Where practical, the surveyors collecting the observations should not be told which numerical result WLC expects.

The raw measurements could be assigned anonymous identifiers and provided to independent analysts.

Those analysts would calculate the results without knowing which model WLC favors.

Only after the primary analysis is completed would the model comparison be revealed.

This is not because WLC believes scientists are dishonest.

It is because honest people can still be influenced by expectations.

The strongest experiment is therefore one in which nobody has to rely upon anyone’s intentions.

All Raw Data Should Be Public

WLC intends the experiment to be radically transparent. The complete dataset should be released publicly. Nothing material should be hidden simply because it is inconvenient.

WLC intends the experiment to be radically transparent.

The complete dataset should be released publicly, including:

• raw instrument readings;
• calibration records;
• observation times;
• station coordinates;
• instrument heights;
• target heights;
• meteorological measurements;
• photographs and video;
• equipment specifications;
• calculation procedures;
• software or mathematical formulas used;
• rejected measurements and the reasons for rejection;
• and the final statistical analysis.

Nothing material should be hidden simply because it is inconvenient to WLC.

If the data reveal an error in our assumptions, that error should be visible.

If the data support the globe, that result should be visible.

If they challenge the globe, that result should likewise be visible.

WLC is Not Asking Anyone to Trust WLC

This distinction is essential.

WLC is not asking the public to accept a conclusion because WLC believes it.

We are proposing an experiment precisely because we believe that important questions should be subjected to measurable evidence.

WLC’s position is that Scripture is the ultimate authority concerning Father Yahuwah’s revelation about creation. But that commitment does not require us to fear honest measurement.

If our interpretation of the physical world is correct, careful measurement should not threaten it.

If we are wrong about something, we should want to know.

That is why our commitment comes before the result.

How Will Results be Determined?

Results will need to be: repeatable, quantitatively measurable, independently verified, and consistent with the respective model after reasonable physical effects—including atmospheric refraction—have been properly considered.

Results will need to be:

repeatable, quantitatively measurable, independently verified, and consistent with the respective model after reasonable physical effects—including atmospheric refraction—have been properly considered

WLC will not dismiss a result supporting the globe merely because it is inconvenient.

If repeated measurements agree with the predictions of the spherical or oblate-spheroid model to a level that a planar model cannot reproduce, WLC will acknowledge the significance of that result.

This is the only way the experiment can have genuine scientific value.

Why Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is being considered as the initial location because it offers several advantages.

It provides long stretches of open water.

It is readily accessible.

It does not require an Antarctic expedition.

It does not require permission to cross an international boundary.

It has extensive transportation and communications infrastructure.

Professional surveyors and researchers can reach both ends of a proposed baseline.

Most importantly, the experiment can potentially be observed and repeated by independent groups.

WLC does not want the first major test to depend upon an inaccessible location or extraordinary logistical conditions.

We want it conducted in a way that critics can come and see for themselves.

$120,000 Is the Commitment

WLC is prepared to allocate approximately $120,000 for the first serious implementation of this project.

The funds would be directed toward professional surveying personnel, equipment, calibration, meteorological instrumentation, transportation, accommodation, independent analysis, documentation, insurance, and appropriate contingency costs.

The exact budget will be refined once independent surveyors and researchers have reviewed the proposed protocol.

WLC is also open to additional financial or institutional participation from organizations that wish to contribute funds, equipment, expertise, personnel, or independent analysis.

Any such participation should be disclosed publicly.

We Invite the “Globe” to Test the Globe

Spherical or Planar? Rather than continuing the argument indefinitely, WLC proposes a simple alternative: Let’s measure it together.

There is an irony in what WLC is proposing.

For generations, people have argued about the shape of the earth.

One side says, “The measurements prove it.”

The other side says, “The measurements have been interpreted within an assumed model.”

Rather than continuing that argument indefinitely, WLC proposes a simple alternative:

Let’s measure it together.

Let the globe advocates participate.

Let the surveyors participate.

Let the physicists participate.

Let university researchers participate.

Let independent journalists participate.

Let critics of WLC participate.

Let people who believe in a stationary plane participate.

Let everyone examine the instruments and the methodology.

Then let the measurements speak.

WLC’s Promise

WLC makes this promise publicly and in advance:

If the experiment demonstrates that the globe model accurately predicts the measured geometry and the planar model does not, WLC will accept that result.

And we make the opposite commitment with equal seriousness:

If the experiment produces reproducible measurements that contradict the globe model and support the planar model, WLC will accept that result as well.

We will not move the goalposts.

We will not change the rules afterward.

We will not appeal to authority to escape an inconvenient measurement.

We will not ask anyone to trust WLC.

Instead, we will ask everyone to participate in testing the question.

An Open Invitation

WLC therefore extends this invitation to the international scientific and surveying community:

Come and test the experiment.

If you believe the Earth is a globe, come help us design the strongest possible test of that proposition.

If you believe WLC is wrong, come and demonstrate where the methodology fails.

If you believe the Earth is stationary and planar, come and subject that position to the same rigorous standard.

If you are undecided, come and observe.

And if you are a professional surveyor, geodesist, physicist, astronomer, atmospheric scientist, university researcher, or independent investigator who believes this question warrants an open, empirical examination, WLC wants to hear from you.

We are prepared to put $120,000 behind the experiment.

More importantly, we are prepared to put our conclusion behind the result.

The question is no longer simply what WLC believes.

The question is:

What does the physical evidence actually show?

Let us measure it together.

Globe or Plane? Let the Measurements Decide

[Verse 1]
We have argued the shape of the earth through the years,
With convictions and questions and doubts and our fears,
But the time has now come for the claims to be tried,
With the data laid open and nothing to hide.
No authority’s word and no theory’s decree,
Just the truth that the measurements show us to see.

[Verse 2]
With a hundred and twenty thousand set free,
We will measure the earth as it truly may be,
Across open waters our instruments stand,
With observers from every side lending a hand.
Let the globe bring its experts, let critics appear,
Let the truth face the test with no reason for fear.

[Chorus]
Let the measurements speak, let the numbers ring clear,
Let the truth have its day without favor or fear.
If the globe is confirmed, we will follow the truth,
If the plane is confirmed, we’ll follow it too.
We pledge before heaven, before all who can see:
Whatever the outcome, we will follow what’s true.

[Verse 3]
Bring the surveyors and physicists too,
Bring the astronomers who say the globe’s true,
Bring the geodesists, skeptics, and those who oppose,
Bring the researchers who question our views and our prose.
Come examine our instruments, challenge our plan,
And strengthen each weakness wherever you can.

[Verse 4]
No hidden conclusion, no changing the rules,
No moving the goalposts, no tricks for the fools.
Before we begin, every measure is known,
Every method and standard and test will be shown.
And the raw data openly afterward flows,
So the world can examine precisely what shows.

[Chorus]
Let the measurements speak, let the numbers ring clear,
Let the truth have its day without favor or fear.
If the globe is confirmed, we will follow the truth,
If the plane is confirmed, we’ll follow it too.
We pledge before heaven, before all who can see:
Whatever the outcome, we will follow what’s true.

[Verse 5]
Across the long waters the stations will stand,
With precision instruments carefully planned.
From station to station the angles we’ll read,
With weather and pressure recorded for need.
And refraction accounted, not simply ignored,
So the final conclusion is honestly scored.

[Verse 6]
No need for Antarctica, no distant frontier,
No secretive mission that no one can hear.
We’ll gather the evidence openly there,
With independent witnesses watching with care.
And if our own position is proven untrue,
We’ll acknowledge the evidence openly too.

[Bridge]
Father Yahuwah, You know what is true,
And truth has no reason to tremble or flee.
We will not bend evidence to what we believe,
Nor cling to a claim simply because we agree.
Let honest examination expose what is real,
And let what is measured determine what we reveal.

[Final Chorus]
Let the measurements speak, let the numbers ring clear,
Let the truth have its day without favor or fear.
If the globe is confirmed, we will follow the truth,
If the plane is confirmed, we’ll follow it too.
We pledge before heaven, before all who can see:
Whatever the outcome, we will follow what’s true.

[Outro]
So the challenge goes forth, let the whole world take heed,
We will measure the earth and examine the deed.
No victory claimed till the evidence speaks,
No hiding the answers, no playing for keeps.
The question is simple, the pathway is free:
Let us measure the earth—and discover what will be.