If the Earth is round like a ball, why aren't we standing at odd angles around it?
Well, the fact is, we are all standing at odd angles around the Earth. It just doesn't feel like it because of the force called gravity. This pull is what keeps us all from flying off into space.
If you look at the arrows on the picture, you will see that they all point to the middle of the Earth. This is the direction of gravity. Now, when you look at the children, you will see that when they are standing on the surface of the Earth, the force of gravity points away from their feet, into the Earth. "Down" is always toward the middle of the Earth. So, if you go visit someone on the opposite side of the world, "down" to you will be different from "down" to your parents, who are still at home. So, we really are standing at odd angles.
Submitted by Daniel (Louisiana, USA)
(January 2, 1998)
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