Introduction to Time Zones:

• • Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each representing 15 degrees of longitude. These zones help coordinate activities and maintain a standardized system of time.
  • The Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude), passing through Greenwich, London, is the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
  • Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each representing 15 degrees of longitude. The Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) serves as the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  • Each time zone is typically one hour ahead or behind its neighboring zones. When moving east, time is added, and when moving west, time is subtracted.

Calculating Time Differences:

• To calculate the time difference between two locations, find the difference in longitude and apply a conversion of 15 degrees per hour.
  • Example: The time difference between locations A (longitude 30 degrees) and B (longitude 60 degrees) is (60 – 30) / 15 = 2 hours.

Standard Time:

• • Each time zone generally covers 15 degrees of longitude, but some countries or regions may adopt variations to accommodate political or geographical boundaries.
  • The Earth rotates 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, resulting in 15 degrees of longitude per hour.

Time Differences:

• • Time differences between adjacent time zones are typically one hour. Moving east adds time, while moving west subtracts time.
  • For example, if it is 12:00 PM in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5), it would be 1:00 PM in the Central Time Zone (UTC-6).

International Date Line (IDL):

• • The International Date Line is an imaginary line located along the 180th meridian in the Pacific Ocean. Crossing the IDL results in a day change. Moving west across the line subtracts a day, while moving east adds a day.

Daylight Saving Time (DST):

• • Some regions observe Daylight Saving Time, where clocks are set forward by one hour during warmer months to extend daylight. Not all countries or regions participate in DST, and the start and end dates can vary.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):

• • UTC is the primary time standard used globally. It is often referred to as the “atomic time” or “Zulu time” in aviation and military contexts.
  • UTC does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Significant Time Zones:

• • Eastern Standard Time (EST/UTC-5) and Pacific Standard Time (PST/UTC-8) are examples of time zones in the United States.
  • Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Japan Standard Time (JST/UTC+9) are examples of time zones in Europe and Asia, respectively.

Global Time Zones Map:

• • A world map displaying time zones helps visualize how time varies across different regions. This map helps travelers, businesses, and organizations coordinate activities across borders.