Difference between revisions of "Equator"
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It is a line of [[latitude]]. The other kind of line on a map is [[longitude]]. | It is a line of [[latitude]]. The other kind of line on a map is [[longitude]]. | ||
| − | Just as Polaris is almost exactly on the celestial North Pole, the "belt" of the constellation Orion is almost exactly on the celestial equator. Early Polynesian seafarers may have used it for navigation. | + | Just as Polaris is almost exactly on the celestial North Pole, the "belt" of the constellation Orion is almost exactly on the celestial equator. If you see Orion's belt is directly overhead, you know you are on the Equator. Early Polynesian seafarers may have used it for navigation. |
Revision as of 00:14, February 6, 2007
The Equator is the line that goes around the middle of the Earth. You can see the Equator on a globe, or on some maps too. The Equator was discovered in the late 15th century, although Ferdinand Magellan did not follow it exactly on his famous voyage around the world.
The Equator goes through some countries, like Ecuador (which is named for it) and Zaire, but it does not go through America. Florida is the state closest to the Equator in America(except for Hawaii).
It is a line of latitude. The other kind of line on a map is longitude.
Just as Polaris is almost exactly on the celestial North Pole, the "belt" of the constellation Orion is almost exactly on the celestial equator. If you see Orion's belt is directly overhead, you know you are on the Equator. Early Polynesian seafarers may have used it for navigation.