I can imagine standing above the centre of a round table top and using a camera with a square format to photograph the edge of the table. It looks as if the lower edge of the photo will be a chord of the circle, and we could draw a line on the table showing its position, and the photo will show a circular segment.insightful said:
Good argument!insightful said:
My understanding is that refraction in the atmosphere allows you to see a little over the horizon, thus increasing the diameter of the perceived circle.Mentallic said:
insightful said:
The perceived shape of the Earth's horizon is a circular arc that appears to be flat and straight to the naked eye. This is due to the curvature of the Earth's surface, which is not visibly noticeable at human scale.
This is an optical illusion caused by the vast size of the Earth and the curvature of its surface. We can only see a small portion of the Earth at a time, and the curvature is not visible at this scale. Additionally, the atmosphere and atmospheric refraction can also contribute to this illusion.
Yes, there are several factors that can impact the perceived shape of the Earth's horizon. These include atmospheric conditions, such as humidity and temperature, as well as the observer's position and elevation.
Yes, the perceived shape of the Earth's horizon can vary in different locations due to the factors mentioned above. For example, the horizon may appear flatter in a desert environment compared to a coastal area due to differences in humidity and elevation.
There is overwhelming scientific evidence that supports the spherical shape of the Earth, such as satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and observations of celestial bodies. Additionally, the mathematical calculations and physical laws that govern the Earth's rotation and orbit would not work if the Earth were flat.
