how far can you see before the earth curves

The distance you can see before the Earth curves is called the "horizon distance" or "line of sight." It depends on several factors, including:

1. Height of the observer: The higher you are, the farther you can see.
2. Atmospheric conditions: Weather, air pollution, and temperature can affect visibility.
3. Earth’s curvature: The Earth’s surface is curved, which limits the distance you can see.

Assuming a clear atmosphere and no obstructions, here are some approximate horizon distances:

• At sea level (height of 1.7 meters or 5.6 feet):

  • The horizon distance is approximately 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) away.

• From a height of 10 meters (32.8 feet):

  • The horizon distance is approximately 11.3 kilometers (7 miles) away.

• From a height of 100 meters (328 feet):

  • The horizon distance is approximately 36.2 kilometers (22.5 miles) away.

• From a height of 1 kilometer (3,280 feet):

  • The horizon distance is approximately 112.9 kilometers (70.2 miles) away.

To calculate the horizon distance, you can use the following formula:

Horizon distance (in kilometers) = √(2 × height (in meters) × 6371 (Earth’s radius in kilometers))

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific conditions.

Now, imagine standing on a mountain or a tall building, and you’ll get an idea of just how far you can see before the Earth curves away from your line of sight!