Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Eric Forshage on 10/05/2011 16:13:41

Title: Is it better to suntan lying flat?
Post by: Eric Forshage on 10/05/2011 16:13:41
Eric Forshage  asked the Naked Scientists:

As we head in to spring, my wife and I have had a debate concerning the efficacy of tanning while lying down, as compared to walking about. My wife contends that lying stationary while tanning if more effective than walking about without one's shirt on. I have contended that the same number of photons would strike the subject regardless of movement. Could you please settle this debate for us.  

Thank You,

An avid Yank listener (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/).

What do you think?
Title: Re: Is it better to suntan lying flat?
Post by: RD on 08/05/2011 22:24:07
The distribution of the tan would be different in the two cases.

[ However this tanning product (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyWdtjYmdHo) is designed to be used when lying down   [:)] ]
Title: Re: Is it better to suntan lying flat?
Post by: yor_on on 09/05/2011 04:22:16
It's a question of momentum, the momentum have a vector and standing up, walking, the photons will find a lesser target to hit, depending on where the sun stands in relation to your 'spatzeiren'. I suspect your wife is right, and even if she's not you better agree :)

It makes for a so much more harmonious suntanning. You can always get her a pair of instant abs in revenge. Don't tell her that it was me suggesting it though :)
Title: Re: Is it better to suntan lying flat?
Post by: Geezer on 09/05/2011 21:03:50
It's better to stay out on intense sunlight. It doesn't do anything good for your skin.