In geodesy, the figure of the Earth is the size and shape used to model planet Earth. The kind of figure depends on application, including the precision needed for the model.

Apr 27, 2025 · Discover what is the shape of the Earth in simple words. Learn why Earth is almost round, what makes it bulge at the equator, and how we know it is not flat.

Jun 21, 2025 · The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but a complex shape most accurately described as an oblate spheroid. This means it’s essentially a sphere that’s flattened at its poles and bulging at the …

Inside the Earth The size of the Earth -- about 12,750 kilometers (km) in diameter-was known by the ancient Greeks, but it was not until the turn of the 20th century that scientists determined that our …

Aug 29, 2025 · Explore the real shape of Earth, understanding why it deviates from a perfect sphere and how scientists determined its form.

The understanding of Earth's shape has evolved over centuries and is impacted by dynamic processes, including climate change and glacial movements, which could further alter the planet's form in the …

Mar 9, 2025 · Earth is an oblate spheroid, not a perfect sphere! It bulges at the equator due to rotation. Explore the science behind Earth's shape and why it matters!

Earth Information Center The Earth Information Center consolidates data on Earth science from across the US federal government. Earth.gov is also the gateway to other interagency cooperative efforts for …

Earth is not a perfect sphere. It is an oblate spheroid. It’s flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator. The Earth is 12,756km at the equator and 12,714km from pole to pole. We round this up to …

Earth is not a perfect sphere. In fact, it’s in the shape of an oblate spheroid. Earth shape bulges at the equator and flattens at the north and south pole.