Flashcard: Latitude and Longitude

Front

What is Latitude?

Back

Latitude is the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator, expressed in degrees. It ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles.

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What is Longitude?

Back

Longitude is the measurement of distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, expressed in degrees. It ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east or west.

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What is the Equator?

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The Equator is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0° latitude.

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What is the Prime Meridian?

Back

The Prime Meridian is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, located at 0° longitude.

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How do you determine your latitude using Polaris?

Back

Your latitude can be determined by measuring the angle of Polaris above the horizon. This angle is approximately equal to your latitude in the Northern Hemisphere.

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What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer?

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The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5° N latitude and marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

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What is the significance of the Tropic of Capricorn?

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The Tropic of Capricorn is located at 23.5° S latitude and marks the southernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

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What are the coordinates of the North Pole?

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The coordinates of the North Pole are 90° N latitude and 0° longitude.

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What are the coordinates of the South Pole?

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The coordinates of the South Pole are 90° S latitude and 0° longitude.

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What is the International Date Line?

Back

The International Date Line is an imaginary line located at approximately 180° longitude where the date changes by one day when crossed.