Where is longitude zero

The meridian that runs through Greenwich, England, is internationally accepted as the line of 0 degrees longitude, or prime meridian. The antimeridian is halfway around the world, at degrees. It is the basis for the International Date Line. Half of the world, the Eastern Hemisphere, is measured in degrees east of the prime meridian.

The other half, the Western Hemisphere, in degrees west of the prime meridian. Degrees of longitude are divided into 60 minutes. Each minute of longitude can be further divided into 60 seconds. A degree of longitude is about kilometers 69 miles at its widest. The widest areas of longitude are near the Equator , where the Earth bulges out.

Because of the Earth's curvature , the actual distance of a degrees, minutes, and seconds of longitude depends on its distance from the Equator. The greater the distance, the shorter the length between meridians. All meridians meet at the North and South Poles. Longitude is related to latitude , the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator. Lines of latitude are called parallel s. Maps are often marked with parallels and meridians, creating a grid. The point in the grid where parallels and meridians intersect is called a coordinate.

Coordinates can be used to locate any point on Earth. Knowing the exact coordinates of a site degrees, minutes, and seconds of longitude and latitude is valuable for military , engineering , and rescue operation s. Coordinates can give military leaders the location of weapons or enemy troops.

Coordinates help engineers plan the best spot for a building, bridge, well, or other structure. Coordinates help airplane pilots land planes or drop aid packages in specific locations. Into the Great Wide Open It was not until the 18th century that people were able to correctly determine their longitude, even though they had been able to figure out latitude for some time. Not being able to reckon longitude was dangerous for sailors.

The Equator at Zero Degrees Latitude. The Equator at zero degrees latitude. Prime Meridian at zero degrees longitude. Do you know the origin of a. Click here to find out. Lines of longitude are measured from zero degrees to degrees east and from zero degrees to degrees west.

Latitude and Longitude. WGS84 and the Greenwich Meridian. The Quest for Longitude. International Meridian Conference Meridian Day Telescopes used with Meridian Marks. Latitude and Longitude Lines of latitude and longitude form the grid system used on globes, maps and charts. Terms of Use.