Equator

Imagine a giant, invisible hula hoop spinning around the middle of the Earth. That’s me. I’m a special line that wraps all the way around the planet’s tummy. You can’t see me or touch me, but I’m super important. I give the world a big, warm hug right in its middle, where the sun shines the brightest.

A long, long time ago, way back in the 3rd century BCE, very clever people in ancient Greece looked up at the sun and stars. They noticed the Earth was round like a ball. They realized they needed a starting line right in the middle to make good maps. So, they drew me. They called me the Equator. I helped them understand where the warmest parts of the world were.

Today, I still have a very sunny job. I divide the world into two halves: the Northern Hemisphere on top and the Southern Hemisphere on the bottom. I help sailors and pilots find their way. And I make sure the places I pass through get plenty of sunshine to grow amazing rainforests. I’m a happy line that connects the whole world.