Convert Earth's polar radius to fathom
Please provide values below to convert Earth's polar radius [R_p] to fathom [fath], or Convert fathom to Earth's polar radius.
How to Convert Earth's Polar Radius to Fathom
1 R_p = 3475914.42475941 fath
Example: convert 15 R_p to fath:
15 R_p = 15 × 3475914.42475941 fath = 52138716.3713911 fath
Earth's Polar Radius to Fathom Conversion Table
| Earth's polar radius | fathom |
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Earth's Polar Radius
The Earth's polar radius is the distance from the center of the Earth to the North or South Pole, approximately 6,356.8 kilometers.
History/Origin
The fact that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, flattened at the poles, has been known since the 18th century. Modern measurements are made with high precision.
Current Use
The Earth's polar radius is a key parameter in geodesy and is used to define the Earth's shape and gravitational field.
Fathom
A fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 feet, used especially for measuring the depth of water.
History/Origin
The term "fathom" comes from the Old English word "fæthm," meaning "outstretched arms," as the distance was originally the span of a man's outstretched arms.
Current Use
The fathom is still used in nautical applications, especially in the United States, to measure water depth. It is also used in commercial fishing to measure the length of lines.