Theory question 203
Latitude, Longitude and Time(a) Distinguish between Meridians and Parallels. (b) A football match is to be played on Saturday in New Zealand (150°E) between the host country and Nigeria (15°E). If the match is to be televised live, at what time should Nigerians tune in their television sets to watch the kick-off scheduled for 4.00 p.m. in New Zealand?
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(a) Meridians are lines of longitude running north-south from pole to pole; parallels are lines of latitude running east-west. Meridians meet at the poles; parallels never meet. Meridians are numbered 0°-180° E and W of Greenwich; parallels 0°-90° N and S of the equator. All meridians are equal in length and form great circles with their opposites; parallels get shorter towards the poles and only the equator is a great circle. Meridians are used to work out time; parallels to locate places N/S and show climatic zones.
(b) Difference in longitude = 150° − 15° = 135°. 15° = 1 hour, so 135° = 9 hours. Nigeria is west, so behind: 4.00 p.m. − 9 hours = 7.00 a.m. on Saturday.
West is behind, east is ahead.