Maths regarding the dimensions of a force field.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the visibility distance of a hypothetical force field that shields a continent, reaching a height of 100 km. The curvature of the Earth is a critical factor in determining how far away observers on neighboring continents or ships would need to be to see the force field. The calculated visibility distance, based on the Earth's curvature, is approximately 1133.9 km. This figure is derived from the concept of horizon distance, which is essential for understanding how far away an object can be seen due to the curvature of the planet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Earth’s curvature and horizon distance calculations
  • Basic knowledge of geometry and trigonometry
  • Familiarity with hypothetical physics concepts, such as force fields
  • Ability to apply mathematical formulas to real-world scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "horizon distance calculations" for spherical objects
  • Explore the mathematical principles behind curvature of the Earth
  • Study hypothetical physics concepts, particularly in relation to force fields
  • Investigate visual perception limits in relation to atmospheric conditions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, mathematicians, and science fiction writers interested in the mathematical implications of hypothetical scenarios involving force fields and visibility based on Earth's curvature.

Kepler20f
This question mixes the fantastical notion of a force field with some down to Earth mathematics, and it’s the latter I need help with please!

Assuming the following:

• a truly huge force field capable of shielding a continent, i.e. along the coastline,
• it is visible as a coloured shimmer,
• it reaches roughly as high as the definition of the edge of space, say 100km,
• all of this on a planet the size of Earth (say exactly the same for the sake of calculations),

and taking into account the curvature of the planet, how far away would the force field be visible? I’m wondering about observers on neighbouring continents, or on ships, how close would they have to be to see it?
 
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As you said yourself the notion of a force field is fantastical so you can attribute any properties to it you like.

However if you are simply asking how distant an object has to be to be hidden by the curvature of the earth, google "horizon distance".
 
Last edited:
Yes that was exactly what I was asking for, thank you. I thought I'd made that pretty unambiguous actually! I was not in any way asking about properties of force fields. I don't know where you got that from...
The answer of 1133.9 km was not as high as I'd hoped but there you go.
 

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