In our interconnected world, it's fascinating to explore the vast distances that separate two seemingly distant points on the Earth's surface. In this blog post, we'll delve into the geographical calculations to determine the distance between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Saint John, Canada. Using latitude and a simple formula, we'll uncover the approximately 2981 kilometers that span these two cities.

Understanding Latitude:

Latitude, measured in degrees, is a crucial factor in determining distances on the Earth's surface. For San Juan, Puerto Rico, the latitude is 18.5°, while Saint John, Canada, boasts a latitude of 45.3°. The difference in latitude (\(\theta\)) between the two cities is calculated as the latitude of Saint John minus the latitude of San Juan: \(\theta = 45.3° - 18.5° = 26.8°\).

The Formula:

To find the distance between two points given their latitudes, we can use the formula:

\[ \text{distance} = \frac{\theta}{360°} \times 2 \pi r \]

Where:

• \(\theta\) is the difference in latitude,
• \(r\) is the radius of the Earth (approximately 6373 km),
• \(\pi\) is taken as 22/7.

Calculating the Distance:

Substituting the values into the formula, we find:

\[ \text{distance} \approx \frac{26.8°}{360°}\times2 \times \frac{22}{7} \times 6373 \]

After computation, the distance is approximately 2981.98 km. Rounding to the nearest least kilometer, we get 2981 km.

Conclusion:

Intriguingly, the distance between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Saint John, Canada, is not just a numerical value but a representation of the vastness of our planet. As we marvel at the technologies that bring these two places closer, it's important to appreciate the geographical nuances that define our world. Whether for travel, curiosity, or academic interest, understanding the distances between cities enhances our global perspective and underscores the beauty of the Earth's diverse landscapes.