How Does the Earth's Rotation Affect Our Time Zones?

The Earth spins like a top, and as it turns, different parts of the world face the Sun. When you're facing the Sun, it's daytime for you, but someone on the other side of the planet is facing away from the Sun, so they're in the middle of the night. That’s why we have time zones! Imagine the Earth is a pizza being spun around, each slice has its own time.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. Imagine spinning around in your chair, when you face the light, it's daytime for you, but someone on the other side is facing away from the light, so they're in the night.
  2. If the Earth were a pizza, each slice would have its own time of day like a different topping.
  3. When it’s noon where you live, your friend on the other side of the world might be eating breakfast or going to bed.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Science · earth· rotation· time zones