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What ancient evidence was found for a spherical Earth?

A) the different angles of equinox shadows measured at cities in Egypt by Eratosthenes
B) the curved shape of Earthʹs lunar eclipse shadow
C) the subtle curvature of the horizon sighted by the Greek astronomer, Metaxa
D) A and B
E) A, B and C

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Ancient evidence for a spherical Earth includes the different angles of equinox shadows measured by Eratosthenes in Egypt, the curved shape of Earth's lunar eclipse shadow, and the subtle curvature of the horizon sighted by the Greek astronomer, Metaxa.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ancient evidence for a spherical Earth includes:

  • A) the different angles of equinox shadows measured at cities in Egypt by Eratosthenes: Eratosthenes observed that the shadow cast by a vertical pillar in Alexandria was at a different angle than the shadow cast by a vertical pillar in Syene during the equinox. He reasoned that this difference in shadow angle was due to the curvature of the Earth.
  • B) the curved shape of Earthʹs lunar eclipse shadow: Aristotle and other ancient Greeks observed that the shape of Earth's shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is always round, which is consistent with a spherical Earth.
  • C) the subtle curvature of the horizon sighted by the Greek astronomer, Metaxa: Metaxa noted the gradual dip of the horizon as one travels further away from land, indicating the curved shape of the Earth.

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