Depending on the information that is extracted from a coordinate map We can use the meridian zero or Greenwich meridian to be able to divide the planet earth into 24 sections that we know as time zones. Time zones are those imaginary lines in which we divide the earth in order to establish time divisions and it is a useful resource to be able to organize time around the entire planet.
In this article we are going to tell you how time zones work and how important it is.
What are time zones
Since our planet is constantly rotating, the time is not the same in one part of the world as it is in another. While it is daytime in Spain, it is still dawning on the American continent. Therefore, if we want to establish a time for everyone, we must take these differences into account. This is why the time zones are developed.
Time zones are derived from a division of our planet into 24 sections using the prime meridian as a reference. Meridian texts can be found in a coordinate mapThis becomes a useful resource for organizing time. Each time zone measures 15 degrees. This means that in order to divide the 360 degrees of the Earth's sphere, 24 sections must be created. Each section will indicate the number of hours it takes for the earth to go around its own axis. This is how we tell how it takes a day to turn around.
The 15 degrees measured by each time zone in what is divided on the planet, corresponds to one hour. Therefore, among the 24 sections in which the land is divided correspond to 24 hours a day.
How they are calculated
In order to establish a consistent schedule throughout the planet, the time zones must be calculated correctly. Time zones are governed by a time standard known as UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). These universal time coordinates can be derived from International Atomic Time. This time is a scientific standard that attempts to measure the time that passes on atomic clocks and counts various points on the planet. For now, it is the most accurate model for calculating time.
Time zones on the planet are calculated using as reference the zero meridian located in London. From this zero meridian to the east it adds up to one hour for each time zone. On the contrary, from the zero meridian to the west one hour is subtracted. The reason it is added or subtracted in hours depends on the rotation of the earth. And it is that the planet rotates in a direction from west to east. For this reason, the hourly calculation of the spindles that travel this direction is called positive deviation, while the spindles that are calculated in the opposite direction, that is, to the west, are called negative deviation.
Examples of time zones
Let's show some examples of time zones to make it easier to understand. You can quickly calculate the time in a specific region or city by knowing its time zone. You need to remember whether this zone is negative to subtract hours or positive to add hours. Here are some examples:
Some of the cities that correspond to the zero meridian have time zones UTC ± 00:00 and are for example Mali, Ivory Coast, Greenland, Mauritania, Gambia, Portugal, among others. In this regard, you can learn more about the impact of the prime meridian on global geography in this article, which helps you understand its relevance.
Some cities whose time zone is UTC -05:00 (five hours behind) are Mexico, Colombia, Canada, Peru, and some regions of Brazil. In this case, we see that the time zone is negative, meaning that five hours must be subtracted from the time indicated by the prime meridian. If it's 10 p.m. in the cities located on the prime meridian, it's 5 p.m. in all regions with this time zone.
Let's look at more extreme examples, such as UTC -12:00 (twelve hours less): here we find Baker Island and Holand Island. Here we can see that if it's 7 p.m. on the zero meridian, it's 7 a.m. on these islands.
Now we move to the other side where we have to add hours. With a time zone of UTC +06:00 (six hours more) we find Bangladesh, Russia, and Bhutan, among others. Here we can see that if on the meridian they are 9 in the morning, in these countries it will be 3 in the afternoon.
What are they for
Many people wonder what time zones are for. The main objective is to be able to make time around the world. Hours are based on different meridians as decided by the authorities of each country or locality. Each type of time zone has certain consequences in the daily life of each country.
With the creation of the time zone system, we find a 24-hour measurement of time governed by the zero meridian. This makes it easier and more practical to calculate the time in each location. The initiative to create a world timetable governed by time zones and subordinated to the zero meridian came from Scottish-Canadian engineer Sandford FlemingThe creation of this way of measuring time across the planet arose at the end of the 19th century.
Since these time changes occur depending on the area of the world we are in, there is a phenomenon known as jet lag. It involves the inability to adapt to different time zones and the impact on the circadian rhythms of people who travel frequently. For example, for flight attendants and pilots, jet lag often significantly affects their daily lives. This is because, when they arrive in a country far from their home country, the time zone is not the same, nor are the activities they perform there.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the different time zones.