Speculative Phase 

I believe the Babylonians' selection of 60 as a base system is closely linked to their understanding of time. This is evident in the modern SI unit of time, which is structured as follows:

 60 seconds equal 1 minute, and  60 minutes equal 1 hour

 This connection suggests that the origins of our current timekeeping system may trace back to Babylonian practices. Furthermore, this base-60 system aligns closely with the number of days in a calendar year, which is typically 365 or 366 days. This is also surprisingly close to 360 degrees, which is connected particularly in the context of Earth’s meridians and lines of latitude and longitude. These lines are instrumental in how humanity has learned to measure time and assess the Earth's position. I firmly believe that the Babylonians were pioneers in developing the time system we utilize today. During our last class on Monday, we explored the fascinating concept of representing fractions in base 60. This was particularly evident when Susan demonstrated how to manipulate fractions using this representation. For instance, the fraction 1/3, which is approximately equivalent to 0.33 in decimal form, can be elegantly expressed as 20/60 in base 60. This illustrates that they could perform arithmetic operations with fractions that are consistent with their numerical system. 

In my mathematical journey, I have seen where 60 has been used. For example

In construction, two major angles give birth to other angles, 60 degrees is one of them. From 60degrees I can construct 15,30,75,105, and 120 degrees. The size of each angle in an equilateral triangle is equivalent to 60 degrees, and by extension, I can say that both the angles on a straight line and in a triangle sum up to 180degrees (made up of three 60s). The angle at the Centre of a circle and the total angle in a quadrilateral is 360degrees (made up of six 60s). I also know that 60 has a lot of factors like 2,3,4,5,6,10,12,15,20,30.

Research Phase

Doing my research on Google, I saw that 60 degrees is highly connected to the following

Timekeeping, as we know it, is based on a system where 60 minutes make up 1 hour, and 60 seconds make up 1 minute. This method was invented by the Babylonians and is still in use today. 

Additionally, the concept of a 360-degree circle, which is divided into 60 sections, is fundamental in geometry and navigation, originating from this ancient system. 

Geographical coordinates also utilize this modified base 60 system, demonstrating its lasting impact on various fields.

The Zodiac system has a strong connection with the Babylonian system, where the astronomers divided the sky into 12 equal sections, each linked to a constellation.