Sunrise and set in Panama?

Question

Snapple Fact: Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.

After studying a map of Panama, I just don't see how this is possible. Can anyone explain better?

Here is a link to a good map of Panama
http://www.american-european.net/images_common/panama-map.jpg

Answer 1

Hi Roshi!

Look closely at the map, and you'll see that the Isthmus of Panama has a twist. In the middle, it has twisted far enough that the Pacific Ocean is ever so slightly to the east and the Caribean Sea (a section of the Atlantic) is slightly west.

If you actually were there, of course, you can't see the whole of Central America, where the Pacific is west and the Caribbean east. You only see the small bit of the country where you are standing, and from there the Pacific really is on your east, and the Caribbean to your west.

Answer 2

If you live in Panama City, then the Gulf of Panama (part of the Pacific Ocean) is to the East of you. If you pass through the canal to the city at the Atlantic side, then notice that part of the Atlantic ocean is now on your left (to the West).