Why do we have time zones and daylight savings? Are you trying to
find answers to these questions then, look no further? Here you will
find answers for these queries, which are bothering your mind. For
that purpose, let us first understand what is time zone and why it
is necessary.
Earth revolves around itself and traverses about the sun too. As
a result, one-half portion of the earth is in darkness and one-half
portion of it is in light at the same time. Thus, when it is midday
on one portion of the earth, it will be complete darkness on other
portion.
People around the globe gauge day when the sun is at peak point that
is at 12 noon at midday. As a result, scientists introduced the idea
of dividing the earth into various times zones. Since each day has 24
hours, time zones are also divided into 24 parts. The time remains same
in all places located in single time zone. However, this time will not
match with timings of other time zones.
When individuals move from one specific time zone to other, they
have to change the watch timing by specific hours of difference. If
they are moving in eastward direction, they need to set the timepiece
one hour ahead. Moreover, if individuals are moving in westward time
zone, they need to set their watch, one-hour rearward (backward).
Let us consider an instance. New York is located in westward direction
of London and there are five time zones between them. Therefore, if
it is noon (12 pm) in New York, what time will it be in London? As,
there are five zones between them and London is to the east of New
York, so you need to add five hours to 12 pm, which gives us the timing
as 5 pm. Thus, if it is 12 pm in New York, then the time in London
is 5 pm.
What Is Daylight Savings?
When the timings are set one hour forward of LSD (local Standard
Time) it is known as daylight savings. Mostly in summers, scientists
adopt this method to provide additional daylight in latter part of
the day that is in evenings.
Usually, in summer, days are longer and nights are shorter. Therefore,
in summer we set our watches one hour ahead. Due to daylight savings,
people can finish off their important work during the daylight. This
method was first adopted during First World War.
By setting the time one-hour advance, people went to bed early. It
saved the consumption of electricity and other sources of fuel, which
was very scarce during those days.
However, you may wonder why we still follow daylight savings. The
same theory applies in present scenario too. The quantity of electricity,
which individuals use at their homes, depends on the sunset. People
go to bed at same time throughout the year.
Therefore, if authorities artificially set the timings one hour in
advance, people will use less electricity during summers and go to
bed at their usual timings, when it is still light outside.