Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A painting of the Royal ...

The Royal Observatory Greenwich commemorated its 350th anniversary, having been established in 1675 by King Charles II. Its initial mandate focused on resolving the longitude problem, a significant ...

Introduction: one line to rule the world -- Geographical confusion -- Absurd vanity : the world's prime meridians before c.1790 -- Declarations of independence: prime meridians in America, c.1784-1884 ...

The earth’s astronomical navel* was about to shift its position. Britain’s Royal Observatory was preparing for its first permanent move in 271 years. Left behind in Greenwich (now part of London) ...

Recently there has been an unusual amount of interest in expanding U.S. territory. A better idea: why not go REALLY BIG and relocate the Prime Meridian from Greenwich, England, to Saint Paul, ...