American Flat-Earther Admits the Earth is Round After Antarctic Expedition
In a surprising turn of events, Jeran Campanella, a prominent American conspiracy theorist and YouTuber known for his flat Earth beliefs, has publicly acknowledged that the Earth is indeed round. This revelation came after a $35,000 expedition to Antarctica, where he participated in a project called "The Final Experiment," aimed at settling the debate between flat Earth and round Earth supporters. Campanella, who has built a following of 164,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel "Jeranism," had long defended the flat Earth theory, which posits that the Earth is a flat disk surrounded by a wall of ice.
During the expedition, Campanella observed the phenomenon known as the "midnight sun," where the sun remains visible for 24 hours during the southern summer months. This observation directly contradicted the flat Earth theory, which claims that the sun circles above a flat surface. In a live video streamed from a scientific base in Antarctica, Campanella stated, "The sun is doing exactly what these guys said, as far as circling the southern continent." He admitted, "Okay guys, sometimes we make mistakes in life," acknowledging the shift in his long-held beliefs.
The Journey from Skepticism to Acceptance
Campanella's journey to Antarctica was part of a collaborative effort involving both flat Earthers and round Earthers, who aimed to observe the sun's behavior over a 24-hour period. Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting a spherical Earth, including satellite images and astronaut testimonies, Campanella had remained skeptical until this expedition. He expressed his reluctance to accept the reality of the situation, stating, "I thought there wasn’t 24-hour sunshine; actually, I was pretty sure there was."
His admission has sparked discussions within the flat Earth community, with Campanella acknowledging that he may be labeled a "charlatan" for changing his stance. However, he emphasized the importance of honesty in his newfound belief, saying, "If you're a charlatan to be honest, then be one."
Implications for the Flat Earth Community
This significant shift in perspective from a well-known figure in the flat Earth community raises questions about the future of such beliefs. Campanella's experience highlights the potential for change in even the most entrenched viewpoints when faced with undeniable evidence. His participation in the documentary "Behind the Curve" in 2018, which explored the flat Earth movement, further underscores the impact of personal experiences on belief systems. As more individuals engage in open discussions and explorations of scientific phenomena, there may be a gradual decline in the acceptance of conspiracy theories surrounding the shape of the Earth.
