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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.

[[Image:Equator Mitad del Mundo.jpg|thumb|150px|The Equator at Mitad del Mundo, [[Ecuador]]]]

The '''Equator''' is a line of [[Lines of latitude|latitude]] that goes around the middle of the [[Earth]]. The Equator is equidistant from both geographical poles at all locations along it.  It measures 24,902 miles in distance and is represented as 0° of latitude.  

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]]).

The Equator goes through some countries, like [[Ecuador]] (which is named for it) and [[Zaire]], but it does not go through the United States. [[Florida]] is the state closest to the Equator in the continental United States.  [[Hawaii]] is closer.

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.

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.

In the British and U. S. navies, a long-standing naval tradition calls for a fraternity-like initiation ceremony when a [[sailor]] crosses the equator for the first time.