Spherical Geometry

Spherical geometry is a type of geometry that deals with shapes and figures on the surface of a sphere, rather than a flat plane. Unlike traditional geometry, where parallel lines never meet, in spherical geometry, lines (such as great circles) can intersect. The shortest distance between two points is along a curved path, like a segment of a circle. Angles in spherical triangles can add up to more than 180 degrees, contrasting with flat triangles. Spherical geometry is fundamental in fields like astronomy, navigation, and geodesy, where the Earth's curved surface is a critical factor.