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Suppose we want to reach the point on earth which in relative terms is exactly on the opposite end of the sphere we call earth (I know it is not an exact sphere).

We either dig vertically downwards, pass through the center of the earth and come out on the other end as it happens in the cartoon. But taking a more pragmatic approach means using air travel.

If we face North, we could either go East or West to get to the directly opposite point on earth which means traveling a distance of half the circumference of earth.

Now here is my question, since the earth is spinning, does it mean that if we fly in direction opposite to which the earth spins, we shall reach the other end quicker? why or why not?

If this is the case, the the opposite is true also i.e it will take longer for us to reach the other end if we travel in the direction of earth spin. Is this taken into consideration in actual flight routes?

Qmechanic
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quantum231
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1 Answers1

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There is a difference - but not exactly why you think. There are prevailing winds around the earth - these used to be called the "Trade Winds" because traders, knowing the direction of the wind, knew how best to navigate the globe. Basically, on the equator (in the tropics) they flow from east to west, and at higher latitudes they flow from west to east:

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source of image

At higher altitudes you also have the jet stream - a strong west-to-east current that planes will sometimes use to fly much faster with the rotation of the earth:

enter image description here source of image

For planes, these winds make a significant difference in the time taken to fly long distances across the earth. And these winds are caused (indirectly) by the interaction of the rotation of the earth, and the sun.

Floris
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