View from the patio at the Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park.

The first time Katharine and I stood on the patio at the Pavilion we wondered if we could see Long Island on the distant horizon. Being the geek that I am, I thought it would be useful to explain why that island off the coast of Rocky Neck State Park is not Long Island.

This is the equation in question used as the basic calculation to find how far a viewer can see along the horizon. The result of the equation will find the distance in nautical miles that the viewer can see. myipaddress This equation does not take into account of atmospheric conditions which will reduce the viewing distance even further.

Exhibit A

Is that Long Island?

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The Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park: 41.298186, -72.245407

Plum Island: 41.179237, -72.205641

Long Island: 41.073140, -71.939850

	The Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park A = Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park East Lyme, CT
	Plum Island B - Plum Island Plum Island, Southold, NY
	Long Island C - Montauk, NY - Long Island Montauk, NY

Point A – B = Approximately 9 miles

Point A – C = Approximately 21 miles

Height of Pavilion – Approximately 90 feet above sea level at the patio level.

Based on the equation above, the island that is most visible on the horizon must be Plum Island. The island itself has had quite a history especially in recent months.

Now you know! Talhandbatiga