Atlantblog: 2.08 multiplied by the root of the height above sea level

29/10 Position: 43°34´13″N 15°56´23″E

We visited the island of Vis in the Croatian archipelago a few days ago and made our way up to the 587 meter high peak. Amazing view, isn't it? We were lucky enough to get up just as the sun was setting. "It's Italy!" Fredrik shouts, and sure enough, just before sunset we see an Italian mountain range. I am surprised but quickly understand why.

Since the earth is round, we can only see a certain distance before it starts to slope downwards. How far we can see, i.e. how far away the horizon is, depends on how high you are in relation to the surface of the water. There is a formula to calculate how far you can see. 2.08 multiplied by the root of your height above sea level gives the distance to the horizon in nautical miles. Doing the math quickly, we can see about 5.5 kilometers if we are standing at the water's edge, far too short to see Italy. On the other hand, if we stand on the top of Vis, 587 meters above sea level, we can see 93.3 kilometers. It is also slightly too short to see Italy's coastal strip but the mountain peaks, Acquaviva and Camicia, 2737 meters and 2570 meters high, make it possible to get a small glimpse of the country. Pretty cool if I may say so myself!

Now it is getting closer. Tomorrow or on Friday we leave and say goodbye to Croatia. The coast of Italy is our first goal, a goal that now does not feel too far away.

Mathias

(Photo and image by: Mathias Edberg)