What is Longitude?

Longitude

• Longitude is an angular measurement and also a    geographic coordinate      that specifies the  east – west      position of a point on the surface of the  Earth  

• Early Greek astronomers developed the concept of longitude which presumed a spherical earth divided into 360 degrees.  The quest to accurately determine longitude became of keen interest to map makers and navigators.

• From tracking local times in two different locations during lunar eclipses, using telescopes, then chronometers and telegraphs, then radio signals and finally GPS, technological advances over the course of more than 2 centuries greatly improved the accuracy of calculating longitude and its relationship with time.

• So the story of longitude is really about persistence, collaboration, building on the experiences of others, innovation and technology.  We finally know for certain how close we are to a desired location.

• Cayucos, CA is located at  120°53′26″W