Astronomy/Horizon

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Expert: - 5/22/2004


Question
Would the horizon be the equator?ie depending on the tilt of the earth, the equator would change accordinly and hence the horizon? or would it be the straight line drawn through the Earth regardless of where the equator is?

Answer
No, your horizon is dependent on the curvature (and thus
the radius) of the body you are standing on, and your height
above ground level.
Here on Earth, your horizon is....I believe, approximately
12 miles IF no buildings, trees, hills, etc interfere.

On the moon, with its smaller size, the astronauts horizon
was something of the order of 2 or 3 miles.

There is no curvature to your line of sight...its simply
a tangent line perpendicular to the height of your
eye above the surface. (An ant on virtually ground level
would have a very short 'horizon'.)

Standing on a mountain facing south, in N. Hemisphere, your horizon may be several hundred miles distant, but certainly far from reaching the equator.

A planetary tilt has nothing to do with the 'horizon'....

A line drawn straight through the Earth also has nothing
to do with your horizon distance.

Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA  

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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