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minute to degree - How to convert ′ to °
From astronomy to navigation, the minute is a small but powerful unit of angular measurement. Converting it into the more familiar degree is essential for interpreting coordinates, maps, and scientific observations with clarity.
The Two Units in Focus
A minute (′), also known as an arcminute, is 1⁄60 of a degree. It’s precise enough to measure the apparent size of the Moon in the sky or fine changes in a surveyor’s reading. At Earth’s surface, one minute of latitude equals one nautical mile — a fundamental fact for sailors and aviators.
A degree (°) divides a circle into 360 equal parts. While it’s easier for the general public to grasp, degrees lack the fine resolution of minutes, which is why professionals often work in smaller subdivisions.
Formula for Conversion
The formula to convert minutes to degrees is:
Degrees (°) = Minutes (′) ÷ 60
Example:180′ ÷ 60 = 3°
If you’d rather not do the math by hand, the Angle Conversion tool on Jetcalculator provides instant, accurate results.
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Do you know?
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The Moon’s average apparent diameter is about 31′, just over half a degree.
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Ancient Greek astronomers used minutes and even seconds to chart the movement of planets.
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In cartography, one minute of longitude varies in actual distance depending on your latitude.
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High-end GPS receivers can measure positions to fractions of a minute for extreme accuracy.
How Minutes Made a Voyage Safer
In 1768, British explorer Captain James Cook embarked on his first Pacific voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour. One of his missions was to observe the transit of Venus — a rare astronomical event — from Tahiti. Precise measurements in minutes of arc were critical to calculating the distance from Earth to the Sun.
Using a sextant, Cook and his crew recorded the position of the Sun and Venus with remarkable precision. These measurements in minutes were later converted to degrees for calculations, helping refine the astronomical unit — the baseline for measuring distances across the solar system.
This meticulous conversion didn’t just advance astronomy; it also improved navigation accuracy for future sea voyages. By knowing their exact position more reliably, sailors could avoid hazards, shorten travel times, and expand global trade routes.
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A Final Note
Converting minutes to degrees (′ to °) is as simple as Degrees = Minutes ÷ 60, but its impact is far-reaching — from safe ocean voyages to precise space measurements.
For all your measurement needs, the Conversion Tools section at Jetcalculator offers fast, accurate solutions for angles, distances, and much more.
