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curvature of the earth

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More on the curvature of the Earth 2018-04-23
From will:
the formula for figuring the earth's curve goes against logic, looking at a fixed point and backup 1mi. the point drops 8" then 16" in the next mi. and 32" in the third mi. why shouldn't it be 24" why is the 8" per mi. squared can you tell me in laymens terms why this is it goes against logic it would seem the correct wat would be to add up 8" per mile as you back up from the fixed point 8"- 16"- 24"- 32" not 8/16/32/64"
Answered by Harley Weston.
How much does the Earth curve over a one foot distance? 2015-11-24
From Sean:
Hi, I am trying to figure out how much the earth curves over a one foot distance. I'd like to be able to draw the exact arc on a piece of paper. I am an artist and am looking to make glass vessels with the exact curvature of the earth. I read on your site that it curves approximately 8 inches per mile. can I just use simple ratios to break it down into inches?? Thank you so much for your help.
Answered by Harley Weston.
Curvature of the Earth 2014-12-29
From Jimmy:
Both batteries died in my scientific calculator and I have lost my formula for the heigth of the curvature of the earth between two points on the surface. I used degrees and miles. I only had to enter the distance between the two points on the surface and the formula gave me the hieght the earth raised between the two points.
Answered by Robert Dawson.
Curvature of the Earth 2014-03-28
From Max:

Recently I read the answer to a question proposed by someone on this site.

The question : What is the rate of curvature per mile on Earth?
The answer given : Use Pythagoras' Theorem to solve for the answer, given a 1 mile side
and a side as the radius. The hypotenuse minus the radius is your answer of drop/mile or curve/mile.

My conjecture : Why go through all of that work if the distance is one? Something like
{1/diameter} would would fine for such a problem. Seems like a lot of work for no reason.

I understand the practical application of Pythagoras' Theorem in this certain situation, as you would need
to use a^2+b^2=c^2 for any distance greater than one [mile]..
It just seems excessive and unnecessary if you're solving for curve / one mile.

Answered by Robert Dawson.
How far can you see? 2003-12-15
From Judy:

How far apart, assuming no obstacles, can two people stand and still see each other?

i know this deals with the curvature of earth, but i can't figure out the formulas involved.

Answered by Chris Fisher.





