Why does each time zone extend 7 1/2 degrees on each side of central meridian rather than extending from 0 degrees to 15 degree?
Why do you think it is?
Each time zone extends approximately 7 1/2 degrees on each side of the central meridian to create a standard and consistent way of measuring time across different regions. This method of dividing the Earth into time zones is based on practical considerations rather than a specific mathematical calculation.
Here's how the time zone system works:
1. The Earth completes one full rotation every 24 hours, resulting in a 360-degree rotation.
2. To create time zones, the 360-degree rotation is divided evenly into 24 hours, with each hour covering 15 degrees.
3. However, due to practical reasons, time zones are typically not defined as a range of exactly 15 degrees. Instead, they are adjusted to accommodate specific geographic and political considerations.
4. The 7 1/2-degree extension on each side of the central meridian allows for a smooth transition of time across neighboring time zones.
5. This fractional adjustment ensures that areas within a time zone remain relatively uniform in their regional time, minimizing confusion and inconvenience for the locals.
The choice of 7 1/2 degrees for the extension on each side of the central meridian is a practical compromise that allows for the efficient division of time across the globe while considering various factors such as geographic boundaries, political borders, and convenience for travelers and businesses operating across different time zones.
While the specific degree measurement for time zones could have been different, the 7 1/2-degree extension has been widely adopted as a standard since it strikes a balance between practicality and consistency.