What Is the Longitude of the Prime Meridian? — Reading Comprehension

The Prime Meridian is a special imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. It divides the Earth into two halves: the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. The longitude of the Prime Meridian is 0 degrees.

Longitude is a way to measure how far east or west a place is from the Prime Meridian. Just like latitude measures distance north or south from the Equator, longitude uses degrees to show a location’s distance east or west from this important line.

The Prime Meridian goes through a place called Greenwich, in England. That’s why it’s also called the Greenwich Meridian. All other lines of longitude are measured from this starting point. For example, New York City is about 74 degrees west of the Prime Meridian, while India is about 78 degrees east.

Knowing the longitude of the Prime Meridian helps us understand time zones, maps, and GPS systems. It’s the main line used to tell where something is from east to west on Earth.

Fun Fact: Longitude lines meet at the North and South Poles, but they are farthest apart at the Equator!

What is the longitude of the Prime Meridian?

What does longitude measure?

Where is the Prime Meridian located?

Which two hemispheres does the Prime Meridian divide?

Why is the Prime Meridian important for maps?

What is the main idea of the passage?