"Let this figure represent the Earth, N being the north pole, S the south pole, and E W the equator. The lines 10, 20, 30, and so on, are the parallels of latitude, and the lines N a S, N b S, etc., are meridian lines, or those of longitude." —Comstock, 1850

Longitude

"Let this figure represent the Earth, N being the north pole, S the south pole, and E W the equator.…

The Meridian of any given place is that half of the meridian circle which passes through that place and both poles. A meridian of any place reaches from that place to both poles, and therefore is equal to one-half of a great circle, and, with the meridian directly opposite to it, forms a great circle called a meridian circle. There are as many meridians as there are places on the equator or on any parallel. Parallels are small circles which pass around the earth parallel to the equator.

Meridians and Parallels

The Meridian of any given place is that half of the meridian circle which passes through that place…

Meridians of longitude are the imaginary vertical lines that run around the Earth. These lines divide Earth into time zones, and measure 0-90 east and west.

Meridians of Longitude

Meridians of longitude are the imaginary vertical lines that run around the Earth. These lines divide…