what is the importance of the equator and prime meridian?

The equator is important as a reference point for navigation and geography. It's an imaginary line that divides the Earth into two equal halves, and it forms the halfway point between the South Pole and the North Pole at 0 degrees latitude, according to National Geographic. It is also important because twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun passes directly over it.