LONDON, United Kingdom — Tourists gather to pose for photographs at the Prime Meridian line outside the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. This brass strip in the courtyard represents 0° longitude, the globally recognized starting point for measuring east-west distances. Visitors can be seen straddling the line, symbolically standing in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres simultaneously, capturing a popular photo opportunity at this significant geographical and historical landmark.
Photograph by David Coleman. At the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, tourists engage in a time-honored tradition of posing for photographs at the Prime Meridian line. This brass strip, embedded in the courtyard pavement, represents 0° longitude and serves as the global reference point for time zones and navigation. The scene captures the excitement and curiosity of visitors as they interact with this significant scientific and historical landmark. Tourists can be observed straddling the line, often with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western, creating a popular photo opportunity that symbolizes their presence at a globally recognized point. The diversity of visitors reflects the international appeal of the site, attracting people from various cultures and backgrounds. The Royal Observatory, perched on a hill in Greenwich Park, provides not only this unique photo opportunity but also panoramic views of London's skyline across the River Thames. This tourist ritual at the Prime Meridian embodies the intersection of science, history, and popular culture, making abstract concepts of global timekeeping and navigation tangible for visitors. The enthusiasm of the tourists underscores the enduring fascination with this imaginary line that plays a crucial role in how we understand and measure our position on the globe.
Size: 5007px × 3350px
Location: Greenwich, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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