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Refracted Drop Formula:
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The Metabunk Earth Curve Calculator estimates the amount of drop due to Earth's curvature with atmospheric refraction taken into account. It provides a more accurate assessment of how much of a distant object is hidden by the Earth's curvature.
The calculator uses the Refracted Drop formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the bending of light due to atmospheric refraction, which makes distant objects appear higher than they actually are.
Details: Accurate calculation of the refracted drop is crucial for understanding how much of distant objects should be visible or hidden due to Earth's curvature, particularly in debates about the shape of the Earth and long-distance observations.
Tips: Enter distance in miles, Earth radius in miles (default is 3959), and refraction coefficient (default is 0.143). All values must be valid positive numbers.
Q1: What is the refraction coefficient (k)?
A: The refraction coefficient represents how much light bends in the atmosphere. A value of 0.143 is a standard approximation for typical atmospheric conditions.
Q2: Why use 3959 miles for Earth's radius?
A: 3959 miles is the mean radius of the Earth, providing a good average for calculations involving Earth's curvature.
Q3: How does refraction affect the calculation?
A: Refraction bends light downward, making distant objects appear higher than they actually are, which reduces the apparent drop due to curvature.
Q4: When should I adjust the refraction coefficient?
A: You might adjust k for different atmospheric conditions. Higher values indicate more refraction (bending), while lower values indicate less.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for very long distances?
A: While the formula works for various distances, extremely long distances might require more complex calculations that account for changing atmospheric conditions.