In 1884, the International Meridian Conference met in Washington, D.C., and established the (passing through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London) as the world's official Prime Meridian. It is designated as 0° longitude . How Longitude is Measured Longitude is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds:
Coordinates are marked as E (East) or W (West). For example, New York City sits at approximately 74° W, while Tokyo is at roughly 139° E. The Connection Between Longitude and Time
We apply similar coordinate systems to map the surfaces of Mars and the Moon.
Meridian Longitude: The Invisible Lines That Define Our World
This relationship is why time zones were created. Every 15° increment away from the Prime Meridian generally represents a one-hour difference from . If you travel 15° East, you are effectively "stepping" one hour into the future. Why It Matters Today
When we talk about "meridian longitude," we are referring to the angular distance of a place east or west of a specific reference line known as the . The Prime Meridian: Point Zero
Longitude isn’t just about distance; it’s the foundation of how we measure time. Because the Earth rotates 360° every 24 hours, it moves .