horizon

[jimmer]

morning, since i was little i've always thought the horizon at see level was 12 miles away but a bloke on the radio yesterday said it was 22 miles, have i been wrong all this time? jim

[Quizmonster]

If you're standing at the water's edge, the horizon is about 3 miles away. If you click here, that will link you to a web-page which has a handy computer version that helps you work it out. All you do is put the height of your eye into the slot and click on 'Compute'. So, if you're eyes are 5 ft 6 inches above the ground - ie 5.5 ft - put that into the slot. If you are standing on a 100 ft cliff, put 105.5 in.

[jimmer]

yes yes QM it is approx 5000 mtrs but why have i always thought it was 12 miles?

[Quizmonster]

I can only assume, Jimmer, that - when your dad or whoever told you it was 12 miles - the pair of you were standing on a 74-foot high cliff!

More to the point, perhaps, is: Who was the person on the radio who said it was 22 miles? A hang-glider? (Only joking!)

[norfolk boy]

Hey Q M is this another side of you thats just started to show.Facts and comedy.

[Quizmonster]

Aah! I'm a man of many facets, Norfolk.

[CleverClogs]

I'll have a glass of water then QM, Oops my illiteracy knows no bounds........

[cudgie]

Have you moved house since you were little?