Vocabulary V Flashcards
Terrestrial coordinates
The system of latitude and longitude
Latitude
Imaginary parallel lines that circumscribe the earth from the equator at 0*, to the poles
Parallels
The parallel lines that are also known as latitude lines
Polaris or the North Star
the star located directly above the North Pole. It’s altitude determines your latitude.
Crux or the Southern Cross
The constellation found near the celestial South Pole which helped sailors to find their way
Cartographers
People who study and make maps
Arctic Circle
Line of latitude located at 66* 33” north latitude. It marks the boundary of the northern frigid zone
Tropic of Cancer
Line of latitude that is located 23.5* north of the equator. Northern boundary of where the sun’s rays fall verically
Equator
Line of latitude located at 0*. Circumscribes the earth at its widest point
Tropic of Capricorn
Line of latitude that is located 23.5* south of the equator. Southern boundary of where the sun’s rays fall vertically.
Antarctic Circle
Line of latitude located at 66* 33” south latitude. It marks the boundary of the southern frigid zone.
Longitude
Imaginary lines that pass north to south through the poles
Prime Meridian
The Meridian that begins at 0* longitude, passing through Greenwich, England
International Date Line
Line of longitude located at 180* from the Prime Meridian. It marks the difference between one day and the next.
Coordinate system
A system that shows a specific point using at least two coordinates
