Equator

The equator is an imaginary circle drawn around a planet (or other astronomical object) at a distance halfway between the poles. The equator divides the planet into a Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The latitude of the equator is, by definition, 0°. The length of Earth's equator is about 40,075.0 km, or 24,901.5 miles.

Related Topics:
Circle - Planet - Astronomical object - Pole - Northern Hemisphere - Southern Hemisphere - Latitude - Earth - Km - Miles

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The equator is one of the five main circles of latitude based on the relationship of the Earth's rotation and plane of orbit around the sun. Additionally, the equator is the only line of latitude which is also a great circle

Related Topics:
Circles of latitude - Rotation - Orbit - Great circle

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The Sun, in its seasonal movement through the sky, passes directly over the equator twice each year on the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes, which occur in March and September (respectively). At the equator, the rays of the sun are perpendicular to the surface of the earth on these dates.

Related Topics:
Sun - Season - Year - Vernal - Autumnal - Equinox - Perpendicular

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