Dig Deep in Rockford, Surface in Ocean

If You Dug a Hole in Rockford, Illinois, Where Would You End Up?

Have you ever had one of those “what if” moments where you imagine digging a hole straight through the Earth? Let’s take that hypothetical journey from Rockford, Illinois, to the other side of the planet. Spoiler alert: it’s not China, but the answer might make you smile (or grab a swimsuit).

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First Stop: Geography 101

Rockford sits at about 42° N latitude and 89° W longitude. If you could somehow defy gravity, magma, and about 8,000 miles of Earth, you’d dig through to what’s called the antipode. To find it, you flip your latitude south (42° S) and your longitude east (180° - 89° = 91° E).

So, where is this magical destination? Drumroll, please… the southern Indian Ocean! That’s right—your epic tunnel would end somewhere between Madagascar and Western Australia. Not quite the bustling land of dumplings and pandas you might have hoped for.

Pack Your Floaties

Instead of greeting penguins in Antarctica or kangaroos in Australia, you’ll find yourself splashing around in a vast expanse of water. Good news: the Indian Ocean is home to some incredible marine life. Bad news: you might want to bring scuba gear because there’s no land in sight.

Let’s Get Real: Why This Won’t Happen

Sadly, digging through Earth isn’t as simple as grabbing a shovel. You’d face molten lava, crushing pressure, and a core hotter than the surface of the sun. Also, you’d need some serious snacks—8,000 miles is a long way to dig!

The Fun Takeaway

While your dream of a trans-Earth tunnel might stay in the realm of imagination, it’s a reminder of how fascinating our planet is. And hey, next time someone jokes about digging into China, you can confidently tell them they’d actually end up treading water in the Indian Ocean. Happy digging!

ILLINOIS KIDS LOVED THIS BACK IN THE 70'S, CHECK IT OUT.