The concept of time, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, doesn’t capture the Daylight Saving Time (DST). Time is precious, and with only 24 hours in a day, the manipulation of an hour in the name of DST becomes significant.
Daylight Saving Time 2023: Key Dates
In 2023, there are two crucial moments to remember in connection with DST:
The start of DST was on Sunday, March 12, where we sacrificed an hour of sleep as the clocks moved forward.
The end of DST is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, when we’ll gain that hour back as the clocks ‘fall back’ at 2 a.m.
The Origin of the 2 a.m. Changeover
Why exactly 2 a.m.? Michael Downing, the author of “Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time,” provided some historical context in an interview with Time Magazine. He explained that during the inception of DST, there were no train departures from New York City’s stations at 2 a.m. on Sundays. “This specific time was chosen to least disrupt the country’s train travel schedule,” Downing shared.
Is it Saving or Savings?
A common point of contention is the terminology. While many people refer to it as “Daylight Savings Time,” the correct term is “Daylight Saving Time” – without the “s” and without an apostrophe. But, as habits die hard, the majority still leans towards the incorrect usage.
The Sunshine Protection Act:
Introduced in 2021, the Sunshine Protection Act could redefine the world’s relationship with DST. The Act proposes to make DST the new, unwavering standard time. As per USA TODAY, if this Act is ratified, once the clocks are set forward in March, they would remain unchanged, eliminating the need for biannual clock adjustments.
FAQs:
– How many time zones are there in the world?
There are 24 primary time zones in the world, corresponding to the 24 hours in a day. However, due to various geopolitical reasons, international date line adjustments, and regional preferences, the actual number of time zones worldwide is much higher. When considering all these factors, there are more than 38 distinct time zones in use.
– What is known as a world clock?
A world clock is a clock that displays the current local times of major cities or specific locations around the world. This can be in the form of a physical device, such as a wall clock with multiple time displays, or a digital tool, like a website or mobile app. World clocks are particularly useful for businesses and individuals who need to coordinate activities across different time zones, such as international corporations, travelers, and people with friends or family living abroad.
