Explain how we know the earth rotates

There are several ways that we can prove that the Earth rotates. One of the most convincing pieces of evidence is the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect causes moving objects on the Earth's surface to appear to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is most commonly observed in the movement of air masses and ocean currents, but it can also be seen in the trajectory of objects like missiles or artillery shells.

Another piece of evidence that the Earth rotates is the phenomenon of the Foucault pendulum. A Foucault pendulum is a large, heavy pendulum that is free to swing back and forth in any direction. As the Earth rotates beneath the pendulum, the plane of its swing will slowly rotate, demonstrating that the Earth is moving.

Additionally, the existence of day and night cycles is evidence of the Earth's rotation. As the Earth rotates on its axis, different parts of the planet are exposed to the Sun's light, causing the alternating cycle of day and night.

Overall, these pieces of evidence, along with many others, support the scientific consensus that the Earth rotates on its axis.