Parallel

Definition

A parallel is a line of latitude on the Earth's surface, running east-west and measuring distance north or south from the equator.

Analogy

Think of parallels like the rungs on a ladder. The ladder itself represents the Earth, with its top near the North Pole and bottom near the South Pole. Each rung is a parallel, marking different distances from the equator (the middle of the ladder).

Related terms

Equator: This is an imaginary line drawn around the earth equally distant from both poles, dividing the earth into northern and southern hemispheres. It's essentially our "zero" point for measuring latitude.

Tropic of Cancer: This is a line of latitude located approximately 23.5 degrees north of the Equator. It's like one significant notch on our ladder above (north) of our zero point (equator).

Tropic of Capricorn: Similarly to Tropic of Cancer but it lies 23.5 degrees south of Equator. It's another significant notch on our ladder below (south) our zero point.