Earth rotation and long flights

In summary, when traveling from London to New Zealand, the quickest route would be to fly eastwards due to the Earth's counterclockwise rotation and the influence of the jet stream winds. However, if going above the atmosphere, the rotation of the Earth would have less importance and the direction of the winds would have a greater impact on the plane's speed. Additionally, the latitude of the destination also plays a role in determining the most efficient route.
  • #1
pixel01
688
1
I have this question related to the rotation of the earth:

Lets say I am in London and I have to fly to New Zealand (non-stop). I can fly to the east and also to the west to get to the destination. If the distances of the two directions are equal, so which route should I choose?
 
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  • #2
Well, the Earth rotates counterclockwise looking down from the north pole, which is equivalent to an east to west rotation. It would be quickest to fly against the rotation and therefore you should fly eastwards.
 
  • #3
Well the reason it is quickest isn't exactly because of the rotation, it's the winds. The jet stream goes west to east at 100-200mph, which makes a big difference flying across the US. For London to New Zeland, the winds are probably kinda complex since you are crossing the equator.
 
  • #4
russ_watters said:
Well the reason it is quickest isn't exactly because of the rotation, it's the winds. The jet stream goes west to east at 100-200mph, which makes a big difference flying across the US. For London to New Zeland, the winds are probably kinda complex since you are crossing the equator.

So it is only the winds that may change the plane's speed, isn't it
 
  • #5
Also the altitude and what that wind has in it. [eg. Rain, snow, fog etc.]
 
  • #6
pixel01 said:
So it is only the winds that may change the plane's speed, isn't it
Pretty much. The atmosphere is rotating with the Earth, so while you're in the atmosphere, wind direction has all the influence over your trip, because rotation of the ground and rotation o fthe air nearly match. If you were going via sub-orbital hop, Earth's rotation would have a lot more importance, though still less than you might think (because the ground from which you launched would be traveling at the rotational speed for that lattitude).
 
  • #7
What would happen if we went above the atmosphere? Sorry, I just have to ask!
 
  • #8
If your destination is at the same latitude, not much. You leave the ground traveling eastward at the same speed as the ground froom whch you launched (rotational velocity). Your target, being at the same latitude, has the same rotational velocity. You turn East or West, you get there in the same amount of time. But, if you're at 45N, and going further north, then you leave the ground already traveling East faster than your target, so by turning East you get there faster than if you turned West. OTOH, if you go South, your target is traveling East faster than you are, so you turn West to get there more quickly.
 

1. How does Earth's rotation affect long flights?

Earth's rotation plays a major role in long flights by influencing the time and distance it takes to reach a destination. As the Earth rotates, it creates the jet stream, a high-speed air current that can either help or hinder an airplane's speed and direction. This can result in shorter or longer flight times, depending on the direction and strength of the jet stream.

2. How do pilots account for Earth's rotation during flights?

Pilots take into account the Earth's rotation and the jet stream when planning their flight routes. They use weather forecasts and flight planning software to determine the most efficient route, taking into consideration factors such as wind speed, direction, and the location of the jet stream. Pilots may also adjust their altitude to take advantage of favorable winds and reduce flight time.

3. Does Earth's rotation affect the length of a flight?

Yes, Earth's rotation can affect the length of a flight. The jet stream, created by Earth's rotation, can either help or hinder an airplane's speed and direction. This can result in shorter or longer flight times, depending on the direction and strength of the jet stream. Additionally, the Earth's rotation also affects the length of a flight in terms of time zones. As an airplane travels across different time zones, the time on the clock will change, making the flight seem longer or shorter.

4. Is there a difference in flight time between eastbound and westbound flights due to Earth's rotation?

Yes, there is typically a difference in flight time between eastbound and westbound flights due to Earth's rotation and the jet stream. Eastbound flights, traveling in the same direction as Earth's rotation, often have a faster flight time due to the assistance of the jet stream. Westbound flights, traveling against the direction of Earth's rotation, may experience a longer flight time as they have to fight against the jet stream.

5. How does Earth's rotation affect the length of a flight over the equator?

The length of a flight over the equator is not significantly affected by Earth's rotation. This is because the jet stream tends to be weaker near the equator, resulting in less of an impact on flight times. Additionally, since the equator is the widest part of the Earth, the distance traveled over the equator is relatively small compared to the overall distance of the flight, making the effect of Earth's rotation minimal.

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