Calculating Area of a Spherical Triangle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods for calculating the area of a spherical triangle, exploring concepts related to spherical geometry and its properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method to find the area of a spherical triangle, indicating a lack of knowledge on the topic.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource that discusses the concept of spherical excess, which is relevant to the area calculation.
  • Some participants propose that a spherical triangle is an example of non-Euclidean geometry, noting that the sum of its interior angles exceeds 180 degrees.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the calculation methods, and there is a general agreement on the classification of spherical triangles as non-Euclidean, but the discussion on area calculation remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not provide specific formulas or methods for calculating the area, and assumptions about the definitions of spherical triangles and non-Euclidean geometry are not fully explored.

Weave
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I did not know where to post this but I'm posting it here.
I have just been pondering these pass couple days on how would you find the area of a sphereical trangle.
HOW WOULD YOU DO IT?
 
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So a sphereical triangle is an example of non-euclid geometry right?
 
Weave said:
So a sphereical triangle is an example of non-euclid geometry right?

The geometry of the sphere [the two-dimensional surface of a ball] is an example of a noneuclidean geometry [since the Parallel Postulate doesn't hold]. A triangle on this surface reveals this because the sum of its interior angles is not 180o.
 

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