Question

Почему моряки расстояние измеряют милями а не километрами

Answer 1

 Морская миля-равна минуте по меридиану. Так считать намного удобнее.

Answer 2

Why do sailors measure distance in miles instead of kilometers?

Sailors traditionally measure distance in nautical miles rather than kilometers. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Historical reasons: The use of nautical miles dates back to ancient times when sailors relied on celestial navigation and simple tools like the astrolabe and quadrant. These tools were calibrated to measure angles in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The nautical mile was defined as one minute of latitude, making it a convenient unit of measurement for navigation at sea.

2. Navigational convenience: Nautical miles are based on the circumference of the Earth and are specifically designed for use in navigation. They allow sailors to easily calculate distances and plot courses on nautical charts, which are still widely used today. Nautical charts are typically marked with latitude and longitude lines, making it easier to measure distances in nautical miles.

3. Consistency with maritime conventions: The use of nautical miles is consistent with other maritime conventions and measurements used in the shipping industry. For example, ship speeds are often measured in knots, which are nautical miles per hour. By using nautical miles, sailors can communicate and understand distances and speeds more effectively.

It's worth noting that while nautical miles are commonly used in maritime navigation, kilometers are also used in some contexts, such as in scientific research or when interacting with land-based authorities. However, for practical purposes at sea, sailors continue to rely on nautical miles due to their historical significance and navigational convenience.