coordinates and location of any object on the Earth can be determined if the figures in terms of latitude and longitude.Find out what the value of the subtleties of each of them.
How to coordinate
Any modern geographical map makes it possible to find the coordinates of any city, the mountains or the lake.You need to know the latitude and longitude figures.
With the first all is clear: it is defined with respect to the equator - an imaginary line that runs in the place where the plane perpendicular to the axis of the Earth intersects the center of our planet.It is the start of the frame, a kind of "zero" for finding the latitude, parallel arrangement.The equator runs through several countries - the Congo, Kenya, Uganda and Somalia in Africa, Indonesia, located on the Sunda Islands, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia in South America.Equator gives a clear idea of the breadth.
Another thing - the length.For a long time there was no consensus as to what to take as a basis of reference of the coordinates.Longitude - the definition of point position on the surface of the Earth relative to the zero point, which departs from the meridians.This is also imaginary lines that make it easier to work with the cards.The angle between each of them and the reference point is the longitude.Meridian Zero - the basis of the reference position.
problem of determining longitude
If the equator all clear that such "zero meridian", it became clear immediately.For many years in different countries used their "zero".Of course, this created confusion.
Every self-respecting science country in the XIX century, has acquired observatory of celestial bodies.It was the starting point of longitude.In Russia, the US, Britain and France had their initial positions meridians.
Longitude very important in marine navigation.And long before the formation of clear scientific reference systems there are other methods, lets not get lost in the sea.The first option offered by Johann Werner.The point - observation of the Moon.Another way belongs to the genius of Galileo Galilei.Using a telescope he observed the situation of the satellites of Jupiter.The disadvantage of this method - the need for complicated devices.
method is easier - the definition of the difference in using local and accurate time reference point - authored Friziusa Gema.But such accurate clocks were also not at all.
Meridian Zero became a kind of Holy Grail - for the accurate determination of longitude in Britain even offered a huge premium.Then the problem was the invention of accurate clock.What is the prime meridian, then just do not know.
clock still were invented.They received the award for John Harrison.But navigation continued to use the old methods.The turning point was the invention of radio.Modern sailors use satellite data in determining longitude.
Benchmarks
As mentioned, each country, which had an observatory, made it the reference point longitude.Through the Paris Observatory runs the eponymous meridian.It was popular in the XIX century.
In Russia, the zero meridian wore name Pulkovo.The name he received from the observatory, located near St. Petersburg.Used mainly in Russia.This "zero" Meridian passes through Mogilev, Kiev region, Lake Tanganyika in Africa, the pyramids of Egypt.At the present stage is not used.
is popular Ferro meridian was passing through the Canary Island of the same name.First used by Ptolemy.
Ever since the XIX century in England used the Greenwich meridian.He was confirmed as "zero" to count longitude in the modern world.
Greenwich meridian - an imaginary line passing through London.From Pulkovo had a difference of 30 degrees, with Paris - 2.
meridian
conference in 1884 on the settlement of the reference system of coordinates in Washington gathered eminent geographers and politicians.International meridian conference brought together representatives from Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Great Britain, France, Denmark, Chile, Venezuela, Japan, Switzerland, the Ottoman Empire and many other countries.Total attended by 41 representatives.
addition to determining longitude, the participants were interested in developing a system of calculating time.What is the problem?And that until the XIX century, a single, unified time did not exist.All enjoyed the local units.This caused confusion.The lack of standards impede trade between countries with different levels of development of science and culture.There were problems with transport.
Where should begin the countdown longitude
Of all the existing starting points have to choose one.Decisions are taken by open ballot, which was attended by all delegates present.
the conference to decide which object should be the reference point of longitude.Meridian is zero, according to the proposals of delegates could pass through Paris, the Azores and the Canary Islands, Bering Strait, Greenwich.The islands have lost their voices at once - there was a proper level of scientific support.Paris, too, did not get the votes.Ferro, though unpopular, was also rejected.Meridian of London was the winner, but France objected.
little about time
first who spoke about the need to unify the standards of the time, was Mr. Sandford Fleming, a simple Canadian engineer.Once out of the confusion of the time he missed the train and missed an important meeting.Thus, since 1876, Fleming sought reforms.
issues are resolved at the Conference in Washington.It was established a system of time zones, which are up to now.Innovation took not all.For example, Russia has joined the standard only in 1919.Germany, France and Austria-Hungary also joined later.
The origin is the prime meridian.Oceans, seas, land passes this imaginary line.The boundaries of the zones are 24 meridians.But so far, not all follow this division.The reasons for this - the size of countries.The most accurate clocks in the world are also in Greenwich.By the way, the GPS system shows the origin of longitude is not in the observatory, as well as 100 meters away.
Greenwich Observatory
Center for Astronomical Research in the UK and origin longitude - Observatory in Greenwich.This place has a rich history.It is based in the XVII century through the efforts of King Charles II.During its existence, the observatory changed its location.The idea of creating such an institution did not belong to the king and statesman Jonas Moore.He persuaded the king of the importance of the Observatory, and the chief astronomer John Flamsteed suggested making.Soon the building was designed and built, the lion's share of funding was on the shoulders of Moore.
you set the exact clock and time reference.As you know, through the observatory runs the origin of longitude.At local level, the Greenwich Meridian began to use back in 1851, and approved at the famous Conference 1884.
Observatory once tried to blow up!As of 1894, it was unique, the first time in the history of Britain.
At present, the Observatory continues to function.There are various instruments for research in astronomy.In fact, it is a museum, which houses a variety of valuable exhibits.They reflect the history of science and technology, particularly in the field of measuring time.It was recently reconstructed, set up a planetarium, gallery.
Conclusion
Prime Meridian - the starting point of longitude and time.However, this term can be used in other areas.So, in 2006, Russia has become a popular group "Prime Meridian"."Do not my words" - the most famous song of the group.
count longitude for many years was conducted by Greenwich.Depart from the prime meridian line, the coordinates of which are determined in all parts of the world.He divides the globe into eastern and western hemispheres.It takes zero meridian through Algeria, Ghana, Mali, Spain, United Kingdom, France.Thus, these countries are located in the two hemispheres together.
