Great Circle

A great circle is the largest possible circle that can be drawn on a sphere, like the Earth. It divides the sphere into two equal halves and represents the shortest path between two points on its surface. For example, the equator is a great circle, as are the lines of longitude that pass through the poles. Airlines often use great circles for efficient routes because traveling along these paths minimizes distance and travel time between destinations. In essence, a great circle provides the most direct route on a spherical surface, making it fundamental in navigation and geography.