The spelling of the phrase "sensible horizon" is based on the pronunciation of each individual word. "Sensible" is spelled with an "s" sound followed by a short "i" sound, while "horizon" is spelled with an "h" sound, a long "o," and a "z" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "sensible" is pronounced /ˈsɛnsəbəl/ and "horizon" is pronounced /hɒˈraɪzən/. Together, the phrase refers to the visible line where the earth and sky meet and makes use of a combination of English orthographic conventions and standard phonetics.
Sensible Horizon is a term mainly used in astronomy and geography to describe the apparent boundary where the sky meets the Earth's surface as observed from a specific location. In other words, it is the visible limit of one's perception of the sky or celestial dome from a particular point on Earth.
The term "sensible" is derived from the Latin word "sensus," meaning "perceived or felt." This emphasizes the idea that the sensible horizon is based on what is observed and can be perceived by the senses rather than representing the true geometrical boundary between the Earth and the sky.
The sensible horizon is affected by various factors such as atmospheric conditions, topography, and the height of the observer. For instance, on a clear day with no obstructions, the sensible horizon may appear as a distinct horizontal line across the landscape. However, if there are mountains, buildings, or other structures in the line of sight, the horizon may be blocked or obscured, limiting the visible sky.
It is important to note that the sensible horizon is distinct from the astronomical horizon, which represents the ideal geometric position where the Earth's surface intersects with the celestial sphere. The sensible horizon is a subjective concept that varies depending on an individual observer's perspective and the surrounding environment.
The word "sensible horizon" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "horizon" comes from the Latin word "horizon", which means "bounding circle" or "boundary". This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "horizōn kyklos", where "horizōn" means "bounding" and "kyklos" means "circle".
The word "sensible" in "sensible horizon" is derived from the Latin word "sensibilis", which means "perceptible" or "able to be felt". It comes from the Latin verb "sentire", meaning "to feel" or "to perceive".
Therefore, the etymology of "sensible horizon" can be understood as the combination of the Latin and Greek words meaning "perceptible circle" or "visible boundary".