Why Do Ships and Planes Use Knots Instead of Miles Per Hour?

Why do ships and airplanes measure speed in knots instead of miles per hour or kilometers per hour? The answer goes far beyond an old maritime tradition. In this video, we explore the fascinating history and science behind knots, nautical miles, and how they connect directly to the Earth's latitude and longitude system. Discover how 17th-century sailors used a simple tool called the chip log to measure speed, why a nautical mile is different from a regular mile, and how this centuries-old system became the global standard for modern navigation. You'll learn: What a knot actually measures The difference between knots and nautical miles How sailors navigated before GPS What dead reckoning is Why nautical miles match Earth's coordinate system Why modern ships and aircraft still use knots today Even in the age of satellites and GPS, the world of aviation and maritime navigation still speaks the language of knots. If you enjoy science, history, and the hidden reasons behind everyday systems, subscribe for more videos. #Knots #NauticalMile #Aviation #MaritimeHistory #Navigation #Ships #Airplanes #Science #Geography #History