Longitude and Latitude Explained with Simple Animations

Welcome to our exploration of latitude, the system we use to measure locations north and south on Earth.Let's start with the basics. Imagine the Earth as a sphere with circles running parallel to the equator.These circles are called latitude lines, and they measure how far north or south a location is from the equator.The equator sits at zero degrees, acting as our reference point. As we move north or south, the degrees increase up to ninety at each pole.Two particularly important latitude lines are the Tropics. The Tropic of Cancer lies at twenty-three point five degrees north.And the Tropic of Capricorn at twenty-three point five degrees south. These lines mark the furthest points where the Sun can appear directly overhead.Notice how latitude lines remain parallel to the equator, but get shorter as they approach the poles. This is because the Earth is a sphere.For example, Miami, Florida lies at approximately twenty-five point eight degrees north latitude, just north of the Tropic of Cancer.Let's review some key facts about latitude. Each degree of latitude represents approximately sixty-nine miles or one hundred and eleven kilometers on Earth's surface.Unlike longitude lines, which we'll explore next, latitude lines maintain equal spacing and remain parallel as they circle the globe.Longitude lines, also called meridians, are the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole.The Prime Meridian, located at zero degrees longitude in Greenwich, London, is our starting point for measuring east and west.On the opposite side of the Earth at 180 degrees, we find the International Date Line.The Prime Meridian and International Date Line divide Earth into Eastern and Western hemispheres.Longitude is measured in degrees, ranging from zero at the Prime Meridian up to 180 degrees east and west.Unlike latitude lines, longitude lines are not parallel. They converge at the poles, while remaining equal in length.