Just a few add-ons to the previous post: a log-log graph of extra time vs altitude h (in kms):
in which points for Burj Dubai, Mt.Everest and the 12 kms cruising height of commercial jet-liners are indicated. The point to be emphasized is that the extra time is proportional to the square root of the altitude.
Of course, one could increase the altitude beyond 12 kms. At an altitude of 100 kms (the 'edge of outer space'), the extra time is 40.34 mins, and at 400 kms (the mean altitude of the International Space Station), it is 79.17 mins.
At an altitude equal to the Earth's radius, the angle q = 60° (which is easy to verify) and the extra time is 240 mins or 4 hrs.
You need to go infinitely far to get q=90° and a time of 6 hrs.
That's it - I can't think of any reason to bang on about this any more!
Of course, one could increase the altitude beyond 12 kms. At an altitude of 100 kms (the 'edge of outer space'), the extra time is 40.34 mins, and at 400 kms (the mean altitude of the International Space Station), it is 79.17 mins.
At an altitude equal to the Earth's radius, the angle q = 60° (which is easy to verify) and the extra time is 240 mins or 4 hrs.
You need to go infinitely far to get q=90° and a time of 6 hrs.
That's it - I can't think of any reason to bang on about this any more!
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