International Date Line
The world is divided into 24 time zones, but there needs to be a designated place where the day officially changes on the planet. This place is approximately along the 180° line of longitude, known as the International Date Line. At this longitude, the time is exactly 12 hours ahead or behind the time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), regardless of whether one travels eastward or westward.
For someone traveling eastward from the Prime Meridian, the time would be 12 hours less than at 0° longitude, while for someone traveling westward, the time would be 12 hours more. For instance, if a person moves eastward and crosses the International Date Line on a Tuesday, they would consider it Wednesday. Conversely, someone starting their journey on the same Tuesday but traveling westward would consider it Monday once they cross the line.
Latitude, Longitude and Time| Class 11 Geography Practical Work
The geographic coordinate system, consisting of latitude and longitude, is essential for locating and identifying positions on the Earth’s surface. This system, along with the concept of time zones, allows for the standardization of time and the organization of global activities.
Let us learn more about the latitude, longitude, and time!