[Thales semicircle theorem](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales%27_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: <hr /> ![ConeSolidAngle][1] <hr /> > ***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*... <hr /> **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: <br /> ![ConeSolidAngle3][2] <br /> And here two enlarged views of the $\phi=5^\circ$ intersection: <br /> ![ConeSlid5degx2][3] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/FepAS.jpg [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/5j0y5.jpg [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/U3Wnz.jpg