Convert fathom to Earth's polar radius
Please provide values below to convert fathom [fath] to Earth's polar radius [R_p], or Convert Earth's polar radius to fathom.
How to Convert Fathom to Earth's Polar Radius
1 fath = 2.87694079254905e-07 R_p
Example: convert 15 fath to R_p:
15 fath = 15 × 2.87694079254905e-07 R_p = 4.31541118882358e-06 R_p
Fathom to Earth's Polar Radius Conversion Table
| fathom | Earth's polar radius |
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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.
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.