What are Parallels?
Parallels are imaginary circles that run parallel to the equator and follow the lines of latitude on the Earth’s surface. They are also referred to as lines of latitude, and they indicate the location of a particular point on the Earth’s surface relative to the equator.
Each parallel is identified by a degree measurement, calculated from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles. The equator itself is a parallel at 0°, and the polar circles are parallels at 66.5° N and S, marking the northernmost and southernmost points where the sun can be seen at the summer solstice.
Parallels are essential in navigation, as they help sailors and pilots determine their location and the distances between different points on the Earth’s surface. They are also used in cartography to create accurate maps of the Earth’s surface, with lines of latitude forming the horizontal grid on which features and locations are plotted.
In summary, parallels are a vital concept in geography and navigation, providing us with a way to understand the Earth’s surface and navigate our way across it.
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