how far can you see

The distance we can see depends on various factors, including:

  1. Atmospheric conditions: The clarity of the air, presence of fog, haze, or pollution can limit our visibility.
  2. Obstructions: Hills, mountains, buildings, or trees can block our line of sight.
  3. Earth’s curvature: The Earth is curved, which means that our horizon is limited by the curvature of the planet.
  4. Height and elevation: The higher we are, the farther we can see.

Assuming a clear atmosphere and no obstructions, here are some approximate distances we can see:

  • From sea level: The horizon is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) away at sea level.
  • From a height of 10 meters (33 feet): The horizon is approximately 11.3 kilometers (7 miles) away.
  • From a height of 100 meters (330 feet): The horizon is approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) away.
  • From a height of 1 kilometer (0.62 miles): The horizon is approximately 112 kilometers (70 miles) away.
  • From space: From low Earth orbit (about 200 miles or 320 kilometers altitude), the curvature of the Earth is visible, and the horizon is approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) away.

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and can vary depending on the specific conditions.

Now, I’m curious – what sparked your question about how far we can see?

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