If a ship's flag is 36' above sea level, could it be seen by someone in a building 100' high that was 18 miles away?
2007-01-22 13:07:01 · 4 answers · asked by peter 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
Yes, in fact they would be able to see it at up to 22 miles. The link below is for VHF/UHF Radio line of sight but the calculations behind it will work for what you want. Just plugin in the two heights and click Distance.
http://hamradioindia.com/HRI-Calc/Lineofsight.htm
2007-01-22 13:44:14 · answer #1 · answered by huskie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes but not likely. Remember that both swells and the curve of the earth make distance away from the object to be viewed important.
2007-01-22 13:13:21 · answer #2 · answered by christopher7329 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Formula for horizon distance is D = sqrt(H) * 1.17
where distance is in miles and height H is in feet. The horizon distance for 100' is then 11.7 miles, and for 36 feet is 7.02 miles. The horizon distances overlap, therefore it is visible.
2007-01-23 07:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by Keith P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on height of ocean waves and swell, weather conditions and visibility, and the eyesight of the person looking.
Check out the website below it will give you and idea of how far you would be able to see.
2007-01-22 14:24:42 · answer #4 · answered by Country Hick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋