How far away is the horizon when viewed at sea level?

Answer 1

That depends on how tall you are. Roughly just under 3 miles. Check the website

Answer 2

Assuming a clear day, the distance from the observer to the horizon is dependent upon a number of factors: 1/ The height of the eye above ground level. 2/ Where you are situated e.g. at the equator or the N or S pole. The earth is flattened at the poles therefore the radius of curvature is greater than that at the equator. (Think of an ellipse). The distance of view would be greater at the poles. 3/ The mathematical value will be less than the visual due to the fact light is BENT around the earth's curvature and thus increases the distance of view. Also bear in mind the effect of heat and cold on the refraction of light. Should you wish to delve deeper then open Google and type in: 'HORIZON DISTANCE'. You will find all the mathematical and other facts explained in detail.

Answer 3

It depends on the height you are viewing the horizon from. Assume you are viewing from a height of 6 feet and the diameter of the earth is about 8000 miles. A right triangle is formed with one side equal to the horizon distance, another side equal to the radius of the earth and the hypotenuse equal to 4000miles plus 6 feet. The equation to be solved is then
H^2 = (4000 + .0011)^2 - (4000)^2 where .0011 is 6 feet converted to miles.
Solving this equation for the horizon H produces approximately 3 miles.
Of course this value can always be refined depending on the exact location on earth that the sighting is made and also exactly what is being sighted on the horizon.

Answer 4

Assuming your eye really is at sea level, that the sea is calm and smooth, then the horizon starts at you.

Because the earth, and it's water is curved, and light doesn't do the curve thing, the curve of the earth drops the horizon below your level of sight immediately.

However, even a slight rise above the sea level, ie a couple of feet, increases this ammount significantly.
Nice Question

Answer 5

Geez, guys, get a clue!

It's about 2.75 miles (assuming you're about a bit over 5 feet tall, so that your eye itself is 5 feet above the ground. See link below for different eye-height.)

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To prove this, imagine a right triangle consisting of these three lines:
- from the horizon to the center of the earth
- from the center of the earth to your eye
- from your eye to the horizon
The first line is the earth's radius (about 4000 miles, or 4000*5280 = 21,120,000 feet). The second is that same radius plus the height of your eye (say 5 feet, for a total of 21,120,005 feet). Let the third distance be x. By the Pythagorean theorem:
.....(x^2) + (21,120,000^2) = (21,120,005^2)
.....thus (x^2) = (21,120,005^2) - (21,120,000^2)*
Pull out your calculator, and you get x^2 = 211,200,025.
So x = 14,533 feet; divide by 5280 to convert to miles; x = about 2.75 miles.

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*The right side can be simplified a bit if you recall that a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)*(a+b).
Thus (21,120,005^2) - (21,120,000^2) = (difference between the roots) * (sum of the roots)
= 5 * (sum of the roots) = roughly 5 * (2 * 21,120,000)
= 10 * 21,120,000 = 211,200,000

Answer 6

It is 7 miles. I remember being surprised that it was that short. But it makes sense. When I stand on the shore of Lake Erie, Canada is only about 25 miles away, but I can't see it, even in the clearest weather. If I am up on a hill, then Canada becomes visible way off in the distance on a really clear day.

Answer 7

Assuming you are 6 feet tall:

2.863453509313535 Nautical miles
3.2970131937861575 Statute miles

Assuming you're eyes are at sea level: zero miles

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Answer 8

Good visibility, about 27 miles. That's out to sea.

Answer 9

If you are 6 feet tall, 3 miles. See the link. It has a calculator.

http://www.ringbell.co.uk/info/hdist.htm

Answer 10

I think it is about 7 miles due to the curvature of the earth