Proof That Sun Orbits Earth

We sit at the beach juice bar in Kololi, Gambia, with young Babakar and watch the sunset. We talk about many things. At some point, Babakar (27) becomes serious and asks me: “I don’t understand how the Sun enters the sea when it goes to sleep. Do you know?”

I freeze for a moment, but there is no joke in the question.

They all have been to school, and they all have smartphones, I think to myself. How come…?

I cannot logically explain this. All I can say that Gambia is a very different reality. People go to school, but things they do in school are not what we would do. People do have smartphones and calculators but the way they use those tools is very different from our ways. Even fundamental concepts, like numbers or money have different meaning here. Some time ago I would call it lack of education. Now I think it is something quite deeper: a different angle of perception of reality. I am not even sure if that angle is better or worse. Just different. But this observation should not prevent us from communicating. So I try.

So, I tell Babakar the story about the Earth and other planets that orbit the Sun, and the millions of stars that probably have their own planets. Some people believe there might be animals living on those planets, but we cannot tell—it’s very far away!

Babakar says: “I know very well that there are people who live down here and also people who live up there,” he points to the sky. “My father told me that the Americans once went up to space to check if there are people who live up there. But they never returned because when they flew high up, they froze to death.”

“But still, what about the Sun? How does it go to sleep? I think that when it enters the sea, it makes a big SPLASH! Is this true?”

I realize my story didn’t make any sense to him. I think a bit and finally say: “Babakar, the Sun does not enter the ocean. It moves around the Earth.” I take two oranges and explain how we are on one orange while the other orange—the Sun—moves around us. This way, it rises tomorrow from the other side, and it isn’t even wet. I also provide a scientific argument: “Otherwise, it would boil all the fish in the sea!”

Babakar thinks for a moment, then says: “I understand now. There are no boiled fish in the sea!”

I give him a thumbs up. I feel that Copernicus and Galileo are turning in their graves, but I am happy. This time, the Flat Earthers won’t gain a new follower.

Post Scriptum

Thank you for reading Nomadic Mind. Additional notes.

• My previous article Worlds We Don’t See turned out very popular. Please read, if you have not.

• I started a new publication, 42: the answer to the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. Here is the first post: 5 Reasons to Ditch Facebook for Substack

• As follow-up to my recent story Toubab, I got into contact with two valuable authors, whom I recommend:

  • the excellent publication Why Journalism Matters by Ted Sullivan has this article on the Russian ruthless propaganda in Africa.

  • If you look for more African stores - please read Daniel Nagengast’s Meanwhile, on the ground.... True tales. You won’t regret.

Stay well.