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

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  • Thread starter Thread starter dalcde
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visibility of a sea-level sunset from a height of approximately 250 meters, considering the obstruction posed by a nearby hill of about 200 meters. Participants explore the conditions under which the sunset may or may not be visible, including the effects of atmospheric refraction and the geometry of the Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the sea horizon is visible, suggesting that visibility of the sunset depends on this factor.
  • Another participant proposes that if the sea horizon is visible, then the sunset should also be visible, but notes that atmospheric refraction could allow for seeing the sun even if the sea itself is not visible.
  • There is a focus on the geometric relationship between the observer's height and the angle to the sea horizon, with participants suggesting that this angle is crucial to determining visibility.
  • One participant mentions that if the Earth were flat, the angle to the horizon would be zero degrees, but acknowledges the Earth's curvature complicates the situation.
  • Another participant suggests drawing a circle with a tangent to visualize the problem, indicating a need for a geometric approach to the question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the visibility of the sunset based on the observer's height and the presence of the obstructing hill. There is no consensus on whether the sunset can be seen under the given conditions, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established specific assumptions regarding the distance to the sea or the exact height of the sun required for visibility. The discussion also touches on the implications of Earth's curvature and atmospheric effects, which remain open for further exploration.

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?
 
Last edited:
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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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