Time Zones

General Remarks

The term "time zone" refers to a geographical region on earth of predefined spatial dimensions for which a local standard time has been fixed, according and related to UTC (Universal Standard Time, see the entry on Universal Time) . The so called "standard time zones" are based on the subdivision of earth's spheroid into twenty-four lunes, each of which is bordered by meridians of 15° longitude apart.

While theoretically this would (or should) have resulted in regular time zones of more or less equal dimensions, the real "standard time zones" are in fact adapted i.e. to geographical conditions and political decisions – and thus have irregular dimensions differing from the basic standard concept.

These irregularities in the boundaries set for the so called "standard time zones" result in some cases in notable differences from what would be an astronomically correct setting, and in some extreme cases these differences result in perceivable effects for those living in the related geographical regions (i.e. concerning the times of sunset: among the most extreme examples is Kotzebue in Alaska with two sunset within one day on July 9).

Thus, even when looking at the so called "standard time zones", in a way we may be tented to think of slightly hazy time zones .
(Note: concerning concepts and considerations of [Hazy Time], see ibid.)

Nevertheless, the implementation of the so called "standard time zones" of course has set standards, and thus obviously not only set the rules for a dominant framework of dealing with time. It can be claimed as responsible of a variety of side effects. These side effects are resulting from differences and gaps between subjective as well as collective ways to perceive, sense and deal with time and the time set due to the conventions of the "standard time zones".

In many cases, these differences are either small enough to be negotiable or ignored. Moreover, individuals as well collectives have developed a variety of ways to deal even with some of the more serious ones, be these certain rituals or treatments.
However, we may also find cases of [Time Sickness] triggered by the mentioned side effects.
This is one of the good reasons not only to invest more detailed research in [Time Sicknesses] (see ibid.), but also for Alternate Time Zones like i.e. [EcoTimeZones], as well as for mechanisms to install these, as i.e. the TIME BENDING CLOCK and its [TBC Mechanisms].

Related entries:
[ Alternate Clocks]
[Alternate Time Pieces]
Alternate Time Zones (work in progress)
[EcoTimeZones]
[Hazy Time]
[TBC Mechanisms]
[Time Sicknesses]
Universal Time (work in progress)
…

tags: clocks, technology, time