1. What is the Time Zone Calculator?

The Time Zone Calculator estimates the time difference between two locations based on their longitudes. It uses the principle that Earth rotates 15 degrees per hour, making longitude directly related to time zones.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{longitude1} \) — First location's longitude in degrees (-180 to 180)
• \( \text{longitude2} \) — Second location's longitude in degrees (-180 to 180)

Explanation: Since Earth completes a 360° rotation in 24 hours, each hour corresponds to 15° of longitude (360°/24h = 15°/h).

3. Importance of Time Zone Calculation

Details: Understanding time differences is crucial for international communication, travel planning, global business operations, and astronomical observations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both longitudes in decimal degrees (-180 to 180). Positive values are east of Prime Meridian, negative values are west.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 15?
A: Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, so 360/24 = 15° per hour. This is the basis of time zones.

Q2: Does this account for daylight saving time?
A: No, this calculates theoretical time difference based on longitude only. Actual time zones may vary due to political boundaries and DST.

Q3: How precise is this calculation?
A: Mathematically precise for longitude-based time differences, but doesn't account for irregular time zone boundaries.

Q4: What's the Prime Meridian?
A: The 0° longitude line passing through Greenwich, England, which is the reference point for time zones (GMT/UTC).

Q5: Can I use this for any two points on Earth?
A: Yes, as long as you have their longitudes. The result shows how many hours apart they are in solar time.