What line of longitude is closest to memphis?

Answer 1

It would be somewhat easier to answer this question if I knew whether you're

referring to the Memphis in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York,

Tennessee, Texas, or one of the many of them outside the US.

There haven't been any permanent residents of the ancient city of Memphis,

Egypt, for over 1,400 years now. But its location is well known, much remains

of its impressive temples and monuments, and the center of archaeological

activity to uncover its history is located about 12 miles south of Cairo, at 29.8493° north latitude

31.2550° east longitude. There's no such thing as "the closest line". Longitude is not some official set of

standard lines, from which we're supposed to pick one that's somewhere close

to the location we're working with. A 'line' can be drawn at ANY longitude.

You wouldn't ask somebody "What mark on the ruler is closest to your height ?"

You would ask him "How tall are you ?"

Similarly, you don't need to be satisfied with "What line of longitude that the

publisher decided to print on this map is closest to the place I'm interested in ?"

You have every right to ask "What is the longitude of that place ?" whether or

not the publisher has decided to print a line there.

Answer 2

Memphis, TN is close to the 90th Meridian West.