Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

"Orb: On the Movements of the Earth" (Japanese title: Chi.: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite) is a Japanese anime produced by Madhouse that premiered in Fall 2024. Set in 15th-century Poland, the story revolves around Rafal, a child prodigy expected to major in theology but with a keen interest in astronomy. After encountering a scholar named Hubert, Rafal is exposed to the heliocentric theory, the idea that the Earth revolves around the Sun, which was considered heresy at the time, punishable by being burned at the stake. Following Hubert's arrest, Rafal embarks on a journey to uncover the truth with a spherical pendant. The anime is an adaptation of Uoto’s manga, which won the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 54th Seiun Award for Best Comic. Praised for its quality and compelling narrative, the anime explores the conflict between knowledge, faith, and the pursuit of truth. It currently streams on Netflix with new episodes every Saturday.