Actually, the existence of AM Radio, HAM Radio, and Over the Horizon Radar, where photons travel much further than the curvature of the earth should allow, suggests that the earth is not a globe.
These are not operating on line of sight. I would suggest you read about ground waves and how signals of various wavelength propagate.
I would also pose the question why anyone would bother using a technology that takes advantage of something unnecessary such as ultra low frequency waves. A radar on the modestly high mountain above sea level would cover all required ranges.
Ground waves? Ducting?
The simplest explanation is that the photons just went in a straight line.
Why bother debating the merits of such advanced physics when you can use literal line of sight communication -- a laser pointer -- to test your theory?
The atmosphere is not perfectly transparent to all forms of EM, which is why distant mountains may be faded in the distance by atmosphere.
It doesn't have to be perfectly transparent, especially if you do it on a day with agreeable weather conditions.
There is a simple method to prove that atmosphere attenuation is not the limiting factor in visibility. Simply adjust the angle upward and point it at a tall landmass or building. This will increase the amount of atmosphere it is traveling through, proving that the laser is not being attenuated by atmosphere. The atmosphere is not massively different at a mere 100ft height difference, nor a few miles away. I'd suggest a nice large, flat, place like the salt flats in Bolivia for testing. It's the flattest place on Earth.
What you'll find is that someone sitting on the mountain top 10 miles away will be able to see your laser, but someone standing on the ground 5 miles away will not.
It's quite simple geometry and requires no real scientific knowledge. It's basic line of sight communication.
If it can travel 20km
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