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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Why is it colder at altitude, even though you're closer to the sun?
« on: 25/12/2006 20:26:56 »
A quick glance at the "flight stats" now available via your "on board entertainment system" on the average passenger flight reveals that the external temperature at 35,000 feet is about -70°C. Why should it be so cold at this altitude? After all, in space if you're facing the sun the temperature can be +100°C and space suits are designed to insulate astronauts from heat as well as cold.
So why is it so cold outside my aeroplane, or at the top of Everest (29,000 feet) for that matter?
Chris
So why is it so cold outside my aeroplane, or at the top of Everest (29,000 feet) for that matter?
Chris