Along the equator, what is the approximate distance corresponding to a 1° change in longitude?
Answer
60 nautical miles
Explanation
At the equator, one degree of longitude is approximately 60 NM, like one degree of latitude. Away from the equator, the east–west distance for a longitude degree decreases with latitude. **Key takeaway:** At the equator, `$1^\circ$` longitude is approximately `$60$ NM`.\n\n**Glossary:** **Longitude**: Angular position east or west of the prime meridian.