My guess would be computer modeling rather than empirical data gathering.
Exactly, you'd figure if the earth is solid and has a solid core, then the greatest concentration of mass would be at the center if it is in fact a sphere.
I think i read somewhere a long time ago that it is actually more of an ellipse, so that would explain a lot of the variations in measureable gravitational pull. I would imagine the actual change is really negligible and can probably only be detected with instruments. Pretty sure it isnt much of a real world difference, other than strengthening the theory that it exists. Which brings us back to the initial trigger for our conversation. Anyways, I better get back to work. Have a good day!
That was from black science man, I think the earth is closer to toroidal shape than sphere. If it is a torus then the angular momentum would be sufficient to explain gravity.
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