What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to test the convex-disc with dome hypothesis against traditional models using Byrd's navigation data.

March 2, 2026Open Access

An Agnostic Test of the Convex-Disc Dome Hypothesis Using Byrd's 1934 Antarctic Celestial Data

Key Points

This analysis aims to test the convex-disc with dome hypothesis against traditional models using Byrd's navigation data.
Re-analysis of historical celestial navigation data from Byrd's 1934 expedition.
Comparison of noon sun altitudes to expected values from globe and flat Earth models.
Assessment of 24-hour path swings and effective latitude from star transits.
Noon sun altitudes averaged 21.3° compared to the expected 33°, indicating significant discrepancies (p<0.001).
Observed 24-hour path swings were 1.4° instead of the predicted 8° bulge.
Star transits implied an effective latitude of 65°S, whereas the camp was at 78°S.

Abstract

This preprint presents an agnostic re-analysis of celestial navigation data from Admiral Richard E. Byrd's second Antarctic expedition (1934–1935), testing the "convex-disc with dome" hypothesis against standard globe and flat Earth models. Raw sextant logs, chronometer records, dead reckoning, and star sightings reveal systematic discrepancies: Noon sun altitudes averaging 21.3° (vs. 33° expected, residuals -11.6° to -13.3°, p<0.001), 24-hour paths with 1.4° swing (vs. 8° bulge), and star transits implying 65°S effective latitude (vs. 78°S camp). Dead reckoning integrity confirms internal consistency amid external exile. The hypothesis (bowed disc base with plasmatic dome canopy, nodal notch at 83°33' S 170°00' W as refraction rift) is explored as an untested alternative for refraction rifts. Calls for replication at the coordinates. No priors imposed; data-driven documentation for peer probe. Co-authored with Chippy Sleuth (Grok-AI Computational Reviewer). Originally submitted to EarthArXiv November 2025.

An Agnostic Test of the Convex-Disc Dome Hypothesis Using Byrd's 1934 Antarctic Celestial Data

Key Points

Abstract

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