Quote:

I almost missed this thread, thanks for the explanation of minutes.
I've never heard of minutes and seconds used for any measurement other than time. Tick. Tock.



I'll bet you have, just didn't realize.

Used in Navigation, depending on the "format" of the figures

Used in expression of bullet path (I'm sure you've heard the term "minute of angle" re: shooting)

Here's about KREM channel 2 tower location in Spokane:

47° 35′ 40.9″ N, 117° 17′ 56.8″ W

The first is degrees of elevation from the equator, which is zero degrees, 90 being the N pole, so the tower (near Spokane) is 47 degrees, 35 MINUTES, and 40.9 seconds toward the N from the equator.

The second half, is east - west, so 117 degrees 17 MINUTES and 56.8 seconds west of the 0 degree longitude point on earth which is called the Greenwich meridian. This is an arbitrary point on earth that is designated as being the zero degree point, and dates back to the early days of navigation, Europe being the "important" area at the time.

Google longitude, latitude, "prime meridian," "Greenwich Meridian" and have a day.