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Added requested series of images.
Joseph O'Rourke
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Thales' semicircle theorem in higher dimensions

Thales semicircle theorem says that an angle inscribed in a semicircle is a right angle.

Q1. Does a cone with apex on a hemisphere and encompassing the circular base have a solid angle independent of the position of the apex?

It appears it might be true, with solid angle $(2-\sqrt{2})\pi \approx 0.59 \pi$ steradians:


  ![ConeSolidAngle][1]

Q2. I am seeking a proof or reference for the generalization to $d$ dimensions.

I have not found a reference, which makes me wonder if the answer to Q1 might be No...


**Update**. Thanks to *TMA* and @WillSawin for their analyses. Following Will, let $p=(\cos \phi, 0, \sin \phi)$ be the apex on the cone on the sphere; so $\phi=90^\circ$ places $p$ at the north pole. Below is a crude depiction of the intersection of the cone with the small green $p$-centered sphere. $\phi=(90^\circ,30^\circ,5^\circ)$ left to right:
  ![ConeSolidAngle3][2]
And here two enlarged views of the $\phi=5^\circ$ intersection:
  ![ConeSlid5degx2][3]
Joseph O'Rourke
  • 150.9k
  • 36
  • 358
  • 958