Time Zones
As the world shrinks, knowledge of Time Zones become more and fundamental to our lives. While Aunt Mabel in Australia might love a video chat with you, reaching her at 4 in the morning, may not be the best time!
Before railways, time zones weren't needed. But, by the mid-19th century, with intercontinental telecommunications on the horizon, they became essential. In 1879, Scottish-born Canadian Sir Sanford Fleming first advocated a universal co-ordinated time with 24 1-hour time zones, set 15° apart. His system was officially adopted in 1884 with 0° longitude set at Greenwich, England and the International Date Line set at the anti-meridian of 180°. From there, it was up to each individual country to adopt time zones appropriate to their location.
Understanding Time Zones (Gedge: 4:16)
Why are Time Zones so Weird?
(MinuteEarth 2:14)
Strangest Time Zones of the World (WonderWhy: 8:38)