If we are stanfing on the sea shore and if we look at the sea, at some distance we may see as if the earth ends there!!!!!!!!! (may be due to the speriodal curvature). My question is what is that distance a normal eye can see during clear sky.(on a plain), from the place we stand to the end where you can see to the most
2006-08-02 17:13:50 · 4 answers · asked by <oo> 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
I need the answers with the sufficient literature / reference please
2006-08-02 18:08:20 · update #1
How far you can see depends on how high you are. The formula is d=sqrt[h*(h+2R)], where h is the height and R=radius of the earth (4000mi). For a 6-ft person, the distance is about 3 mi.
You can derive the formula by drawing a circle for the earth, radius R. Draw a vertical radius and add a segment h to it. Draw a line from the top of that segment tangent to the circle. Draw a radius from that tangent point. The radius intersects the tangent at a 90deg angle, forming a right triangle with hypotenuse R+h, and one leg R. The remaining leg is the sight distance d. From the Pythagorean theorem d^2 + R^2 = (R+h)^2. From this you solve for d to get the cited formula.
2006-08-02 18:34:27 · answer #1 · answered by gp4rts 7 · 9⤊ 3⤋
About 50 miles
2006-08-03 02:01:23 · answer #2 · answered by Tony T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can see about a hundred miles on a clear day with no obstructions,or dust in the air.give or take 20.
2006-08-03 00:20:43 · answer #3 · answered by kents411 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The horizon is 12 nautical miles away. (13.8 miles)
2006-08-03 00:30:27 · answer #4 · answered by Nick Name 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋