How Many Nautical Miles Equal a Time Zone at the Equator?

Navigating time zones can be a tricky endeavor, especially when it comes to determining the distance that separates different time zones. At the equator, where longitude lines converge, the calculation is relatively straightforward.

The Earth's circumference along the equator is approximately 24,901 miles. As there are 24 time zones around the globe, each time zone spans an arc of 15 degrees longitude. To convert this angular distance to nautical miles, we multiply it by the distance of one degree of longitude at the equator, which is approximately 60 nautical miles.

Therefore, 1 time zone at the equator equals 15 degrees longitude x 60 nautical miles per degree = 900 nautical miles.

  1. How many time zones are there in the world? Answer: 24

  2. What is the approximate circumference of the Earth at the equator? Answer: 24,901 miles

  3. How many degrees of longitude span each time zone at the equator? Answer: 15 degrees

  4. What is the distance of one degree of longitude at the equator? Answer: Approximately 60 nautical miles

  5. How many nautical miles separate the east coast of the United States from the west coast? Answer: Approximately 2,500 nautical miles (depending on the specific locations)

  • Garmin GPSMAP 66sr
  • Suunto Spartan Ultra
  • Magellan eXplorist TRX7
  • Bushnell BackTrack Mini
  • InReach Mini

Pre:profile/Henry James 164
Next:Why are model ships worth so much money

^