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Old July 24th 07, 08:40 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Andy[_1_]
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Default Google Earth Glider on Tow USAFA

On Jul 22, 7:03 pm, wrote:
The shadow of this glider on the ground does not appear
to be small enough to place the plane very high


Since the sun can be assumed to be at infinite distance from the earth
its rays are as near to parallel as makes no difference. The size of
the shadow should not change with height of the aircraft. The shadow
will become more diffuse as height increases.

I've often wondered if the width of a potential landing site could be
estimated by laying the glider shadow over it. Usually to busy to
try it and suspect that it would only be effective at low altitude
when it's too late to pick another place.


Andy