The Prime Meridian: How It Shapes Global Timekeeping
Why the Prime Meridian Is the Backbone of World Time Zones Discover the fascinating role of the Prime Meridian in global timekeeping, from defining time zones to enabling modern navigation and communication. The Role of the Prime Meridian in Global Timekeeping When you think about time zones, maps, and global coordination, one line stands out as the backbone of it all: the Prime Meridian . This imaginary line, which runs through Greenwich, England, is the starting point for measuring longitude and the reference for global timekeeping. But what exactly is the Prime Meridian, and why is it so important? Let’s dive in. What Is the Prime Meridian? The Prime Meridian is the line of 0 degrees longitude, the point from which all other longitudes are measured. It divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, much like the Equator divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The concept of the Prime Meridian was established in 1884 during the International Meridian Co...