Earth rotation and long flights

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of Earth's rotation on flight paths, specifically comparing eastward and westward flights from London to New Zealand. Participants explore the implications of atmospheric conditions, jet streams, and altitude on flight duration.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions which route (east or west) is preferable for a flight from London to New Zealand, given equal distances.
  • Another participant suggests that flying eastward is quicker due to the counterclockwise rotation of the Earth.
  • Some participants argue that the primary factor influencing flight speed is the jet stream, which typically flows west to east at high altitudes, rather than Earth's rotation.
  • There is a mention of the complexity of wind patterns when crossing the equator, which may affect flight times.
  • Altitude and atmospheric conditions, such as precipitation, are noted as additional factors that could influence flight speed.
  • One participant explains that while in the atmosphere, the influence of Earth's rotation is minimal compared to wind direction, but it becomes more significant in sub-orbital flights.
  • A question is raised about the effects of flying above the atmosphere, leading to a discussion about rotational velocities at different latitudes.
  • It is noted that if flying at the same latitude, the rotational speeds of the departure and destination points are similar, affecting travel time based on direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of Earth's rotation versus atmospheric conditions, particularly wind patterns, in determining flight speed. No consensus is reached regarding which factor is more influential.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the constancy of wind patterns and the effects of altitude, which may not be universally applicable. The complexity of atmospheric dynamics when crossing the equator is acknowledged but not fully resolved.

pixel01
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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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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Also the altitude and what that wind has in it. [eg. Rain, snow, fog etc.]
 
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).
 
What would happen if we went above the atmosphere? Sorry, I just have to ask!
 
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.
 

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