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The Equator

This Science Minute was researched and written by Maddie P., Rome, NY.

Hi, I am the imaginary line called the equator. I divide the earth into two equal hemispheres, northern and southern. I'm the longest line of latitude. Being 24,902 miles long is a big job!

In the wintertime, it is usually about 80 degrees Fahrenheit along my line. As the earth moves around the sun, most other places have warmer weather in the summer and colder weather in the winter. Because I am right in the middle of earth, I always get direct sunlight, so I have relatively warm winters and summers.

Some of the countries I run through are Ecuador, Brazil, Kenya, and Somalia.

The weather in these countries is pretty hot, so remember: if you travel near the equator, bring shorts and suntan lotion!