A skydiver is at an altitude of 1.4 mi above the earth’s surface. From the skydiver’s viewpoint, what is the distance to the horizon?

To answer this question and to solve the problem, you must apply the proccedure shown below:

 1. The diameter of the earth is:

 Diameter=12,742 km=7,917.50 mi

 2. Then, the radius of the earth is:

 Radius=7,917.50 mi/2
 Radius=3,958.75 mi

 3. Now, you must apply the Tangent Secant Theorem. Then, you have:

 x²=1.4(1,4+(2)(3,958.75))
 x²=11,086.46
 x=√11,086.46
 x=105.29 mi

 From the skydiver’s viewpoint, what is the distance to the horizon?

 The answer is: 105.29 mi