They are parallel to the equator. Parallel lines run in the same direction and are an equal distance apart at all points. They never meet. Thus, lines of latitude are also called parallels . They run east-west around the globe.
Parallels measure distance north or south of the equator.
This distance is measured in degrees . We measure latitude starting at the equator. Its address is zero degrees latitude, or 0 o latitude. So the North Pole is at 90 degrees north latitude. You can measure your latitude by using the night sky.