As opposed to the northern/southern hemisphere that has:

  • a clear reference point (equators)
  • traditionally we don’t model a rotation north/south

Western/eastern hemisphere

  • doesn’t have a clear reference (Greenwich?)
  • traditionally we model rotation on the north/south axis so western/eastern would depend from the time
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[–] 5 points 8 months ago

Perhaps "clear reference" isn't the issue. Both the equator and prime meridian are clearly defined.

The equator is kind of a natural landmark, arising from the tilt of the planet. Greenwich is a place built by humans. I think that's the rub.

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