Short Wave How Tall Is Mount Everest REALLY?
Nov 27, 2020
Join NPR international correspondent Lauren Frayer, who covers South Asia and has reported extensively on Mount Everest. In a fascinating discussion, she unravels the complex science of measuring the world's tallest mountain. Hear about the historical evolution of height measurements, from 19th-century trigonometry to modern satellite technology. Discover how geological factors, including plate tectonics and earthquakes, can alter Everest's height and learn about the recent Nepal-China initiative to officially remeasure this iconic peak.
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Everest Speed Record
- Roxanne Vogel set a speed record climbing Mount Everest in 14 days.
- She meticulously trained, fixating on the mountain's official height.
Everest's Height In Question
- The official height of Mount Everest, 29,029 feet, might be inaccurate.
- The world's highest peak's height is ever-changing.
Early Measurement Methods
- In the 19th century, George Everest used trigonometry to measure the mountain's height.
- An Indian mathematician, Radhanath Sikdar, did most of the calculations.