What does latitude measure in terms of a location?

Latitude measures the angular distance north or south of the celestial equator. This angular measurement is expressed in degrees, with the equator itself at 0 degrees latitude. As one moves towards the poles, the latitude increases up to 90 degrees at the North and South Poles.

This concept is fundamental in understanding geographic coordinate systems, where latitude along with longitude provides a precise method for identifying any location on Earth. The celestial equator serves as a critical reference point, as it represents the projection of the Earth's equator into space and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The other options touch on different concepts related to geographic measurements but do not accurately describe what latitude represents. For example, measuring distance from the prime meridian pertains to longitude, elevation above sea level is related to altitude, and distance covered by a degree of longitude varies with latitude due to the curvature of the Earth. Hence, the understanding of latitude hinges on its definition as an angular measurement relative to the celestial equator.