how far can you see from the beach
The distance you can see from a beach depends on several factors:
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Visibility Conditions: On a clear day, the curvature of the Earth limits the distance you can see. The formula to calculate the horizon distance is:
[
d \approx 3.57 \times \sqrt{h}
]where ( d ) is the distance in kilometers and ( h ) is the height of your eyes above sea level in meters. For example, at eye level (about 1.7 meters), you can see about 4.7 kilometers.
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Obstructions: Buildings, trees, or other obstacles can block your view.
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Weather: Fog, haze, or mist can reduce visibility significantly.
- Elevation: If you’re on a taller structure (e.g., a dune or a building), you can see farther.
In ideal conditions, you might see several kilometers across the water, but in practice, obstructions and weather often limit this.