The Sun appears to be about 0.5° in diameter. On the equator, approximately how long does it take for the Sun to set, from first contact with the horizon to complete disappearance below the horizon?

Question

Ronald Lamb

Geography

18 February, 08:39

The Sun appears to be about 0.5° in diameter. On the equator, approximately how long does it take for the Sun to set, from first contact with the horizon to complete disappearance below the horizon?

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Answers (1)

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Bruce Blackburn · Answer 1

It takes about 2 minutes for the sun to completely disappear below the horizon.

Explanation:

Earth's rotation in a day = 360 degrees

Sun's Diameter = 0.5 degrees

360/24hr = Earth's rotation is 15 degrees/hour

If the sun's diameter is 0.5 degrees it takes:

15/0.5=30

60/30 = 2 minutes (since there are 60 minutes in an hour)