So, for instance, we all know that Australia is ahead of the US, time wise. But what is the reason for it? Why was the time zone started at one particular place and not another? Is there a scientific reason or just arbitrary?
2007-02-07 13:18:06 · 3 answers · asked by karbon 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
Way back when explorers started sailing around the world in ships, they needed to have an exact measurement of time, to know how far east or west they had gone. Since, at that time, England was the most aggressive naval power on Earth, they designated Greenwich (near London) as the 'zero point' in these measurements as that was where the Royal Observatory was located. So the time was measured starting with Greenwich Mean Time, and still is to this day.
2007-02-07 13:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by roscoedeadbeat 7 · 60⤊ 8⤋
I think it's arbitrary. Time zones exist so that hours line up with the sun across the world. For example, day time is form like 7am to 7pm wherever you go in the world (except the poles, where day is 6 months and night is 6 months).
2007-02-07 21:27:21 · answer #2 · answered by Canadian Bacon 3 · 1⤊ 12⤋
it depends on where the sun is rising. when it is straight over your head, its supposed to be 12:00 so they planned it out like that,
2007-02-07 21:58:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 23⤋