Why do flights often look like they’re taking a strange curved path across the map?
The answer lies in Earth’s shape. Because our planet is a sphere, the shortest route between two cities isn’t a straight line on a flat map, but a great-circle path that curves when projected onto traditional maps. This interactive Flight Path tool reveals the true route aircraft follow around the globe — showing distance, flight time, time zones crossed, and the potential jet lag impact of your journey. It’s a visual reminder that maps distort reality, while the Earth never does.
Why Flights Don’t Fly Straight
Aircraft follow great-circle routes around the Earth. This tool shows the true curved path — not the illusion created by flat maps.
ANTIPODE FAQ
What hemisphere am I in right now?
Your hemisphere depends on your latitude and longitude. Locations north of the Equator are in the Northern Hemisphere, while those south are in the Southern Hemisphere. East and West are determined by longitude relative to the Prime Meridian. This tool can detect your current location instantly.
Can a place be in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres?
Yes. Locations that sit directly on the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) lie on the boundary between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Most places fall clearly into one or the other, but boundary locations technically touch both.
Is the Equator the only line that defines hemispheres?
The Equator defines the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The Eastern and Western Hemispheres are defined by the Prime Meridian and the 180° meridian on the opposite side of Earth.
Are hemispheres the same as continents?
No. Hemispheres are based on global reference lines, not landmasses. A single continent can span multiple hemispheres — for example, Africa crosses both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as well as the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Why do some countries exist in more than one hemisphere?
Large countries or those near the Equator or Prime Meridian may extend across hemisphere boundaries. As a result, different parts of the same country can belong to different hemispheres.
