Incidentally, the first person to satisfactorily explain to me why it is that sunrises and sunsets are quicker here at the equator than they are further north will win a Creme Egg.
The simple answer is that at low latitudes, the sun sets perpendicular to the horizon, while at higher latitudes, the sun can set at a more oblique angle, allowing it to remain close to the horizon after sunset for a longer period of time.
That could be complete rubbish as it was a quick google search but you can read more if you want at http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=121
I would ask "do I get the creme egg?" but I don't like them... :( Wouldn't say no to a galaxy egg... :D
Sadly the prize has already won by another entrant [see answer below], which I'm sure won't upset you too much if you don't like Creme eggs. But as a reward for taking part, I'll see what I can do about a Galaxy egg, Bella :D
Winning answer (from an email signed "Mum"): "The reason for the difference in the sunset is the curvature of the earth. Here in the far north we have more more of an angle to the sun (which is overhead at the equator). This angle also gives the appearance of a longer sunset/rise as the light is refracted through the atmosphere giving the change in the colours. It down to the angle you are seeing the sun at though."
The simple answer is that at low latitudes, the sun sets perpendicular to the horizon, while at higher latitudes, the sun can set at a more oblique angle, allowing it to remain close to the horizon after sunset for a longer period of time.
ReplyDeleteThat could be complete rubbish as it was a quick google search but you can read more if you want at http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=121
I would ask "do I get the creme egg?" but I don't like them... :( Wouldn't say no to a galaxy egg... :D
Sadly the prize has already won by another entrant [see answer below], which I'm sure won't upset you too much if you don't like Creme eggs. But as a reward for taking part, I'll see what I can do about a Galaxy egg, Bella :D
ReplyDeleteWinning answer (from an email signed "Mum"): "The reason for the difference in the sunset is the curvature of the earth. Here in the far north we have more more of an angle to the sun (which is overhead at the equator). This angle also gives the appearance of a longer sunset/rise as the light is refracted through the atmosphere giving the change in the colours. It down to the angle you are seeing the sun at though."