Why prime meridian passes through Greenwich?
The line in Greenwich represents the historic Prime Meridian of the World - Longitude 0degree. Every place on Earth was measured in terms of its distance east or west from this line. The line itself divided the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth - just as the Equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres.
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Why prime meridian passes through Greenwich?
Reasons why the Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich:
Historical Significance:
- The Prime Meridian passing through Greenwich, England, was established in 1884 at the International Meridian Conference as the starting point for longitudinal measurements.
- Greenwich was chosen due to its historical importance as the location of the Royal Observatory, which was founded in 1675 by King Charles II.
Established Standard:
- The Royal Observatory in Greenwich was considered the world's prime meridian for many years, providing a consistent reference point for navigation and timekeeping.
- By adopting Greenwich as the Prime Meridian, it allowed for a standardized reference point for mapping, navigation, and timekeeping across the globe.
Global Acceptance:
- Over time, the choice of Greenwich as the Prime Meridian gained widespread acceptance and became the internationally recognized standard.
- This global acceptance of the Prime Meridian passing through Greenwich has been crucial for ensuring consistency and accuracy in various fields such as cartography, astronomy, and global positioning.
Legacy and Tradition:
- The historical significance and tradition associated with the Royal Observatory in Greenwich have contributed to the continued use of the Prime Meridian passing through this location.
- The legacy of Greenwich as the Prime Meridian has been preserved and celebrated, further solidifying its importance in the world of geography and navigation.
In conclusion, the Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich due to its historical significance, established standard, global acceptance, and legacy as a reference point for longitudinal measurements.
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