This is a day to get technical with the way we measure mountains and give a chance for mountains other than Mt. Everest to get some fame and attention! Although Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain on earth, measured from ground to peak, if we measure from the center of the earth to mountain peak, there is another mountain that surpasses Mt. Everest by 7000 feet. It is Mt. Chimborazo in the Andes mountain range in Ecuador.
How can this be, you ask? I wondered too, and was surprised to learn that the earth is not actually a perfect sphere. It has a slight egg shape, which makes it thicker near the equator. Therefore, the mountain peak of Chimborazo gets a further boost into space than does Mt. Everest.
Furthermore, if we decide to measure from the base of a mountain to its peak, there is another mountain that beats both Everest and Chimborazo, and that is Mauna Kea in Hawaii. However, this mountain base starts at the bottom of the sea, so its peak is lower in altitude than both Everest and Chimborazo.
How to celebrate Chimborazo Day
Go and find the tallest spot in your town or area. Enjoy the feeling that you are on top of the world (or your town)! Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.
