Father Will Duffy of Colorado challenged flat-earthers to go to Antarctica to test their beliefs that the Earth is flat. Flat-earthism, a movement that denies the sphericity of the planet, gained strength with the Internet, despite scientific and photographic evidence.
According to theory, Antarctica would be a large wall of ice that surrounds the oceans. Duffy organized and financed the expedition entitled “The Final Experiment”, in which three flat-earthers participated in person and others followed online.
During the trip, participants witnessed the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon that occurs in polar regions in summer and which contradicts flat-earth theory. Jeran Campanella, one of the movement’s main supporters, publicly admitted he was wrong after observing the phenomenon.
“I thought there was no 24-hour sun, but I saw it with my own eyes,” he said. Campanella highlighted that the experience offered by Will Duffy was decisive in changing his view, recognizing that this phenomenon is only possible on a spherical planet.
The revelation generated controversy among flat-earthers. Some considered Campanella a “sellout” or “puppet,” terms used to describe those who change their minds and accept the Earth’s sphericity. Others have suggested that many people advocate flat Earth just to gain visibility or benefits such as sponsored trips.
The experience, documented on YouTube, reignited debate about the strength of pseudoscientific beliefs and the impact of direct observation on changing perspectives. The trip was financed with around $35,000 and showed the importance of confronting theories with concrete evidence.
