Can I see sea-level sunset if something lower than me is blocking my sight?

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A person on a 250m hill is trying to determine if they can see a sea-level sunset, given that a 200m hill is blocking their view 4-5km away. The discussion highlights that visibility depends on whether the observer can see the sea horizon; if they can, they may also see the sun at sea level due to atmospheric refraction. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the angle below the horizontal to the sea horizon based on height above sea level. Geometry is suggested as a method to calculate this angle, noting that the Earth's curvature affects visibility. Ultimately, if the sea horizon is not visible, the observer may only see a sunset at the hill level rather than a true sea sunset.
dalcde
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This is my situation:
I am on a roughly 250m hill and trying to see sea-level sunset, but there is another hill 4-5km away that is roughly 200m tall, which is probably in the way.

Question:
Will I be able to see a sea-level sunset since I am higher than the hill blocking me?

(Sorry if this is in the wrong section. This seems to be the most relevant)

EDIT: By the way, if I wouldn't be able to see it, how high would the sun have to be for me to be able to see it?
 
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Can you see the sea horizon? if yes, then yes you will see it. And if no, then it is possible that you see sun which is on the tangent of Earth at the sea(due to atmospheric refraction). But even if it is so you will see the sun at sea but not sea itself then i don't think it is a sea sunset. How far is the sea from you btw?

But don't be sad you will get see a hill level sunset instead! YAY!
 
hi dalcde! :smile:

the important issue is, at height h above sea level, what is the angle below the horizontal to the sea horizon? :wink:

(use ordinary geometry)
 
tiny-tim said:
hi dalcde! :smile:

the important issue is, at height h above sea level, what is the angle below the horizontal to the sea horizon? :wink:

(use ordinary geometry)

If the world is flat, it should be zero degrees, but it is round... Any more help would be appreciated.

@sk9 It could make a huge difference when it comes to watching solar eclipses (it happens when the sun is at 5 degrees altitude, unfortunately).
 
dalcde said:
If the world is flat, it should be zero degrees, but it is round... Any more help would be appreciated.

just draw a circle with a tangent :wink:
 

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