Prime Meridian — Attraction in London

Prime Meridian has a fascinating history on its own, definitely worth being taken in consideration. The Greenwich Meridian is used to separate east from west in the same way that the Equator separates north from the south. In 1884 in Washington D.C. delegates gathered for an international convention to determine where the 0° of longitude should be. The majority of shipping companies at that time were already using British charts based on the British Meridian and it seemed agreeable for most of the nations represented to move towards a decision of adopting the same one as a Prime Meridian (longitude zero). The delegates recommended also the definition of a new global time zone system based on the Greenwich meridian. The alignments were checked with the help of two telescopes used together to determine the collimation (sight-line) of the Airy Transit Circle’s telescope and to ensure it is aligned correctly on the Meridian. In a separate building there is a huge telescope that defines the Prime Meridian even today. The telescope was commissioned by George Biddell Airy, seventh Astronomer Royal. History tells us that Astronomers worked in pairs on the Airy Transit Circle: one looked through the eyepiece while the other observed the microscope readings on the stone pier. The other two astronomers that worked on the meridian line were Edmond Halley and James Bradley. Halley’s Meridian line was defined by measuring the height of stars above the horizon; then their passage (or ‘transit’) was timed over the meridian mark by crosshairs in his telescope with an accurate pendulum clock. One of the most important observations was the Sun at solar noon. Bradley’s Meridian line was defined by the third Astronomer Royal who observed with improved accuracy while using the telescope. Time was measured by using distant stars ⭐️ in an attempt to be more accurate having in mind the unequal length of solar days. It is said that Astronomers’ clocks run slightly faster than normal clocks to show sidereal (star) time. Time has already began to play an important role with timekeeping and clocks being introduced in homes...

They say all roads lead to Rome but that’s my next trip, but for anyone who's a self-proclaimed geography nerd, all roads should probably lead to Greenwich, London. I made the short, 42 minute pilgrimage without traffic, from the heart of the city to the Greenwich Meridian and found myself at the global equivalent of a crossroads—a place where you can quite literally put one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western and I did!

It's a bizarre and funny thrill to straddle the line that divides the world. Forget standing on a scale, this is where you can truly measure the weight of the globe's history! It's a fantastic spot for a photo op, as long as you can manage to look elegant while doing a balancing act between east and west. While the museum was a bit of a mixed bag, perhaps it was just a case of "tourist gridlock" on the day I visited, the trip was absolutely worth it. The real star of the show was the Royal Observatory and its planetarium. The planetarium itself was stellar and a welcome escape. And if you're worried about the cost of admission, remember that nothing beats the price of the stunning panoramic view of London from the top of the hill. You get to see everything from the historic Tower of London to the modern skyline, all from a perspective that's been used to track time and space for centuries.

So, if you're a buff of history, science, Geography, or just love a beautiful view, this place is a must-see. It's a great place to stand on the literal and metaphorical dividing line between the past and...

The Prime Meridian, located in Greenwich, England, is a fascinating geographical landmark that provides a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages. As the starting point of longitude, it divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, making it the international reference line for time and space on Earth. Standing on the Prime Meridian, visitors can literally have one foot in each hemisphere, a simple yet powerful reminder of our interconnected world.

This site isn’t just a line; it’s steeped in history and scientific significance. The Greenwich Observatory, where the Prime Meridian is marked, offers a range of exhibits that delve into the history of navigation, astronomy, and the development of timekeeping. Through engaging displays, interactive exhibits, and historical instruments, the Observatory provides insights into how early astronomers and navigators helped shape our modern understanding of geography and time.

For students and educators, the Prime Meridian serves as a tangible way to explore concepts like global coordinates, time zones, and the Earth’s rotation. The observatory’s planetarium and hands-on activities deepen this learning, making it an ideal field trip destination. Ultimately, the Prime Meridian offers a blend of educational value, historical significance, and a sense of adventure, making it a must-visit for those interested in geography, science, and the marvels...