In search of evidence to support his beliefs, a conspiracy YouTuber conducted a unique experiment in Antarctica. This adventure pushed him to reconsider his vision of the world and to admit an unavoidable scientific reality: our planet is indeed round.
An experiment to challenge science
Jeran Campanella, known on YouTube under the pseudonym “Jeranism”, is a major figure among followers of the flat Earth theory. Hoping to demonstrate his ideas, he participated in “The Final Experiment”, an unprecedented polar expedition. This initiative brought together 48 participants, equally between defenders of the flat Earth and supporters of classical sciences.
The main goal of this experiment was to observe the behavior of the sun in the southern sky over a period of 24 hours. In Antarctica, during the southern summer, the sun never completely sets. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, provides observable evidence of the roundness of the Earth.
Confrontation with scientific reality
After a full day of observations, Jeran Campanella was forced to recognize the obvious. In a video posted on his channel, he admitted: “Sometimes we make mistakes in life. I truly believed that the sun couldn’t be visible 24 hours a day. Now I see that is the case. » This revelation was a turning point, not only for him, but also for his community of thousands of subscribers.
He also encouraged his audience to think for themselves and not blindly rely on their own beliefs: “Don’t just listen to my opinion. Look at the facts and see what they tell you. »
Why do conspiracy theories persist?
Despite the accumulated evidence, conspiracy theories continue to have a significant impact. According to an Ifop study carried out in 2023 and relayed by France Info, 35% of French people adhere to at least one conspiracy theory. Among them, the belief in a flat Earth remains widespread, with 12% of French people considering this idea plausible. This percentage rises to 20% among 25-34 year olds.
The reasons for this membership are multiple:
- Distrust of institutions : Many supporters of conspiracy theories question official sources of information.
- Bubble effect on social networks : Algorithms reinforce bias by offering content similar to the user’s interests.
- Lack of scientific culture : A lack of knowledge of the fundamental principles of physics and astronomy makes it easier to embrace alternative ideas.
The midnight sun: irrefutable scientific proof
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon observable near the polar circles. In summer, the Earth—because of its tilt on its axis—provides continuous sunlight in these regions. Here’s how it works:
| Phenomenon | Description |
|---|---|
| Earth tilt | The Earth is tilted 23.5° relative to its orbit around the Sun. |
| Daily rotation | Rotation creates the day-night cycle, but near the poles this difference diminishes. |
| Polar summer | The poles receive continuous exposure to sunlight for several weeks. |
This phenomenon has been documented for centuries and validated by numerous scientific missions, notably those of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Towards better scientific education
The case of Jeran Campanella highlights the importance of science education to counter misconceptions. Initiatives to strengthen understanding of fundamental concepts, such as the roundness of the Earth, should be strengthened in school curricula.
Additionally, platforms like YouTube and social media should take greater responsibility for limiting the spread of conspiracy theories. Fact-checking tools and collaborations with scientific organizations are promising avenues.
A lesson for all
Jeran Campanella’s experiment is a powerful reminder that science is based on observable and reproducible facts. Admitting your mistakes is a sign of humility and a step towards a deeper understanding of the world around us. Hopefully this story will inspire others to question their beliefs and explore scientific truth with an open mind.
