Not round, not an ellipse: NASA’s gravity-based model reveals Earth’s true geoid shape
Scientific models now define Earth’s true shape as an irregular geoid rather than a perfect sphere, reshaping our understanding of planetary physics.
What happened
Geodesists and navigation experts stand to gain the most from this refined definition, as precise gravitational modeling is essential for maintaining global positioning accuracy. The irregular nature of the planet's gravity significantly alters how data is processed for satellite tracking and maritime elevation measurements. This shift in perspective stems from NASA’s gravity-based mapping, which characterizes the Earth as a lumpy, non-spherical object.
According to reports from Diario AS and upday News, the geoid shape varies by 191 meters across the planet’s surface. ScienceABC and Noticias Ambientales note that this model clarifies why gravity is not uniform, describing the planet as a distinct, irregular geoid rather than an ellipse or flat surface. Future updates will clarify how this gravity map will be integrated into international geographic standards.
Coverage does not yet specify when these updated geoid models will officially supersede previous circular representations in educational or navigational tools.
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Questions people are asking
What is the Earth's true shape according to the new NASA model?
The model identifies Earth as a geoid, which is characterized by its irregular, lumpy shape rather than a perfect sphere or ellipse.
How much does the geoid surface vary?
NASA's gravity map indicates that the geoid surface varies by 191 meters.
Why is the Earth shaped this way?
The shape is a result of variations in Earth's gravity, which create an uneven surface often referred to in reporting as a 'potato' shape.
The reporting (6)
- NASA's Viral Geoid Image Challenges Traditional View of Earth russpain.com · 5h ago
- The Geoid: How Gravity and Space Missions Reveal the Earth’s True Irregular Shape Noticias Ambientales · 5h ago
- NASA's gravity map reveals Earth's geoid varies by 191 meters upday News · 5h ago
- Why Is Earth's Gravity Lumpy? What The "Potato Earth" Map Really Shows ScienceABC · 5h ago
- Controversial New Image of Earth: Neither Flat Nor Oval ColombiaOne.com · 5h ago
- Not round, not an ellipse: NASA’s gravity-based model reveals Earth’s true geoid shape Diario AS · 5h ago
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