What is the true shape of the earth?

The true shape of the Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator due to its rotation. Earth’s rotation causes a centrifugal force that is greater at the equator, resulting in a slightly outward bulge. This shape was confirmed by measurements, satellite observations, and various geodetic techniques.

The Earth’s equatorial diameter is about 12,742 kilometers, slightly larger than the polar diameter, which is approximately 12,714 kilometers. This difference is small relative to the overall size of the planet but is significant enough to give Earth its slightly flattened shape.

While “spheroid” accurately describes Earth’s overall shape, it’s important to note that Earth is not a perfect sphere. The surface is also characterized by various topographical features such as mountains, valleys, and ocean basins. The understanding of Earth’s true shape is critical for accurate mapping, navigation, and scientific calculations on a global scale.