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This is not how three dimensional Euclidean geometry works! Please see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic Geode
by tacitusarc 2y ago
This is not how three dimensional Euclidean geometry works!
Please see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic
Geodesics are “straight” along a curved surface, regardless of if they follow the circumference.
Edit: The above is an incorrect description of geodesics, which must follow the circumference.
Perhaps a more accurate description of the problem would be to say that it is impossible to have an easterly vector field except at the equator, and Seattle is not at the equator.
- pdonis 2y agoThe GP is correct. Only great circles on a 2-sphere are geodesics. Curves of constant latitude, except for the equator, are not. I'm not sure why you referenced the Wikipedia article you did, since it supports what the GP says and contradicts what you say.
- lxgr 2y agoIn Euclidean geometry, one generally does not return to the point of departure in finite time when following a straight line! So is a geodesic a straight line?