Morse Code: The Original Long-Distance Language

Dots and Dashes

Morse code represents letters as sequences of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes).

• S = • • • (Three dots)
• O = — — — (Three dashes)
• SOS = • • • — — — • • •

Timing is Everything

The length of a dash is three times the length of a dot.

• The space between parts of the same letter is 1 dot.
• The space between letters is 3 dots.
• The space between words is 7 dots.

Modern Use

While no longer used for official shipping, it's still used by:

• Amateur radio enthusiasts
• Pilots (for identifying navigation beacons)
• People with disabilities as an assistive technology

Key Takeaways

• E and T are the shortest (they are the most common letters)
• "CQ" means "calling anyone" in radio speak
• SOS is the universal distress signal