Posted on 09/11/2008 8:21:07 PM PDT by Maceman
OK, I didn't watch the Sarah Palin interview, but apparently she made the comment that "you can actually see Russia from Alaska."
Of course, the DUmmies are all over this "gaffe", and there are numerous hits on Google about it already.
The Bering Strait is 53 miles across, which means you can't see Russia across it because of the curvature of the earth.
However, I did find one post on answers.yahoo.com that states:
Actually, the answer is yes and no. From the mainland, there is no way to see Russia from Alaska. The distance is too great.
However, there are two islands in the Bering Staight - Big Diomede and Little Diomede. The big island is Russian and the small one American. They are 1.5 miles from each other. Interestingly, the International Date Line separates the two, so there is a time difference of 23 hours between the two.
I thought that was actually an interesting little fact.
But I'm wondering, have any Freepers who have been to Alaska ever seen Russia from there?
That means the answer is “yes.”
I lived in Alaska for 4 years, and knew about the closeness of Big and Little Diomede islands. Didn’t go there, not many do.
By virtue of serving in the Air Force there in the 80’s during the Cold War, with aircraft that flew recon missions near Russia out of Shemya, I was aware how close we were to Russia. Very aware.
You can see it soon after lift off in a plane...the Palins own a small plane, so yes, they can see Russia from Alaska.
On a clear day anyway.
Yes you can. In fact here is the view from Alaska to Russia:
http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/407734.jpg
She of course was perfectly correct again. These left wing ninnies are totally confused about the USA and or its geography. (among other things).
The smaller island is the USA, the larger Island Russia.
there is an island of Alaska that YES yiu can see Russia from it....
When I read this I immediately thought of Big and Little Diomede Islands too. MSM idiots forget about the Aleutian Chain (in the Navy, we patrolled up and down the Aleutians from Kodiak NAS during the early 60s). So Gov. Palin IS CORRECT! Typical nitpickin’ Lefties, what a shameless bunch. You know, we’re not talking about being able to see Moscow for pete’s sake!
Some folks say that you can walk to Russia from Alaska during the winter. Maybe an urban legend or in this case a rural legend?
That pic was the view of Big Diomede, Russia from Little Diomede, Alaska
Only if your eyes are open.
Distance between the USA and Russia — half a mile !
Just for some perspective. Looks pretty close to me.
From the top of Mt. McKinely you can see Russia. However, the air must be clear, and no head-wind. Of course, Matt Damon and Pamela Anderson must be at least 800 miles away in order for the hot gas not to muddle with the view.
Technically, Alaska and Russia are less than 3 miles apart at their closest point in the Bering Strait where two islands, Russia’s Big Diomede Island and Alaska’s Little Diomede Island, are located. In winter it is possible to walk across the frozen Bering Strait border between these two islands.
Of course, I doubt the DUmbasses would know Jr. High level geography, so of course they would call it a gaffe.
Do the DUmmies really think the Governor of the state is ignorant of that fact?
Oh, and with Charlie’s nose so far up in the air - or up his behind, he’d be hard pressed to see Russia - even if it was an existential unreality.
..sorry, didn’t finish. I had a friend who actually walked the gap several years ago when it was frozen over..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.