There is a certain village in Japan, situated in a very low valley, and yet on the Spring Equinox, the sun is nearer to the inhabitants at noon, by 3,000 miles and upwards, than when it either rises or sets. In what part of the country is the village situated?

(In reply to re(2): solution by Charlie)

You are quite correct. 

I added the Spring Equinox as a late amendment without fully considering the implications.  In fact, the earth-sun distance is increasing by some 44,000 km per day around the Spring Equinox, March 21/22.  At the Summer Solstice the rate is still about 11,000 km per day.

I should have chosen July 4 (aphelion) or Jan 3 (perihelion) to minimise this effect.

Posted by goFish on 2006-03-01 16:45:01