Question

An antipode of any location on earth represents the point that is diametrically opposite to it. In this context, where is the antipode of London roughly located?

• A. New Zealand
• B. Spain
• C. Austria
• D. Qatar

Answer 1

The correct option is A New Zealand

Given that antipodes will always be located in the opposite hemisphere, there is no possibility of Spain, Austria or Qatar being our answer.

Calculating the antipodal point: The latitude of the antipodal point will be the same as the origin, albeit with a change in North or South. To calculate the longitude of the antipode substract or add 180° to the longitude of origin. Here, if the longitude is located in the eastern hemisphere (denoted by a positive value), we substract 180° to make sure that the final value lies between -180 and 180. In contrast, we would have to add 180° if the longitude is located to the West of the Prime Meridian (denoted by a negative value).

Therefore, the coordinates for the antipode of London (located in New Zealand): Latitude = -51.5° or 51.5°S and longitude = 179.8°E.