The Story of the Paris Meridian and the Rise of the Greenwich Meridian

🌍A meridian is a straight line from the North Pole to the South Pole, and a prime meridian is the agreed-upon zero line on all maps. The Paris Meridian was once a rival to the Greenwich Meridian.

🕓The concept of having standardized time zones was introduced with the rise of the steam train. Clocks were synchronized to ensure accurate schedules and avoid confusion.

🗺️The world agreed on using the Greenwich Meridian as the prime meridian in 1884, due to the accuracy of British navigational charts and the implementation of time zones in North America.

⏰France continued to use the Paris Meridian until the 1940s, resulting in a time difference of 9 minutes and 21 seconds ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

📍To commemorate the Paris Meridian, brass discs have been placed throughout the city of Paris to mark its path and celebrate the work of astronomer François Arago.

What is a prime meridian?

—A prime meridian is the agreed-upon zero line on all maps, used to calculate coordinates and measurements. It runs from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Why did France and Britain compete for the prime meridian?

—France and Britain competed for the prime meridian to establish their dominance in mapping and navigation. The Paris Meridian and the Greenwich Meridian were both contenders.

Why was the Paris Meridian not widely adopted?

—Although France favored the Paris Meridian, most countries adopted the Greenwich Meridian due to the accuracy of British navigational charts and the implementation of time zones in North America.

What is the significance of the brass discs in Paris?

—The brass discs placed throughout Paris commemorate the path of the Paris Meridian. They serve as a reminder of the historical importance of the meridian and the work of François Arago.

Is it possible to follow the path of the Paris Meridian in Paris?

—Yes, it is possible to follow the path of the Paris Meridian in Paris. Brass discs have been placed along the route, guiding you to the exact spot where astronomer François Arago's statue once stood.

00:00Introduction to the concept of the Paris Meridian and its significance in mapping.

09:23Explanation of the conference held in 1884 to determine the prime meridian, with the Greenwich Meridian ultimately chosen.

10:25France's refusal to adopt the Greenwich Meridian until the 1940s, resulting in a time difference of 9 minutes and 21 seconds from GMT.

11:14Discussion of the brass discs placed throughout Paris to mark the path of the Paris Meridian.