How are time zones separated?

Time zones are primarily separated by 15 degrees of longitude. This separation is based on the Earth’s rotation, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete a full 360-degree turn. By dividing 360 degrees by 24 hours, you find that the Earth rotates about 15 degrees every hour.

Therefore, each time zone typically covers a span of 15 degrees of longitude. This results in 24 standard time zones worldwide, each representing one hour of time difference. Adjustments may sometimes be made for political borders or geographical features, but the fundamental division is based on the 15-degree interval.

Understanding this separation is crucial for grasping how time is calculated globally and helps in understanding concepts like Daylight Saving Time and the coordination of activities across different regions.