Carol is traveling by ship from south of the equator to the north. She has a nice little second class cabin which has a bathroom, but no window. Carol has no compass nor other instruments. Yet, without leaving her room or talking with anyone, Carol knew exactly when the ship crossed the equator. How did she know?
Common Wrong Answers
“She felt the temperature change.”
The temperature change at the equator is not consistently noticeable from a cabin without windows, and it would not provide a definitive indication of crossing the equator.
“She heard an announcement over the loudspeaker.”
The riddle specifies that Carol did not talk with anyone or leave her room, so any announcement would not be a valid means for her to know.
“She saw other passengers celebrating crossing the equator.”
Again, the riddle states that Carol did not leave her room or interact with anyone, making it impossible for her to see or be influenced by others celebrating.
Similar Riddles
We travelled the sea far and wide. At one time, two of my sailors were standing on opposite sides of the ship. One was looking west and the other one east. And...
Where on Earth do the winds always blow from the South?
There's a place in the world where the wind blows south then suddenly north. Where is it?
Where can one stand up straight, but still be considered sideways?