MEAN SOLAR TIME Meaning and
Definition
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Mean solar time refers to the average time used to regulate clocks and watches to align with the Earth's rotation. It is a measurement of time based on the position of the Sun in the sky and serves as a fundamental reference point for establishing standard time.
Mean solar time is derived by dividing the Earth's rotation into 24 equal parts, known as hours. It is different from apparent solar time, which varies throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of the Earth's orbit and the tilt of its axis. Apparent solar time is directly based on the position of the Sun in the sky, whereas mean solar time represents an average of these various positions.
To determine mean solar time, a fixed place on the Earth's surface is used as a reference point, known as the prime meridian. Typically, this is the meridian passing through Greenwich, London, which is used to establish Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
The difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time is known as the equation of time. This difference is due to the irregularities in the Earth's rotation and orbit, as well as other factors such as the gravitational pull of the Moon. The equation of time is used to make adjustments to clocks and watches to ensure they are synchronized with mean solar time.
Mean solar time forms the basis for our modern system of timekeeping and serves as a universal standard for coordinating activities across different geographical locations.
Common Misspellings for MEAN SOLAR TIME
- nean solar time
- kean solar time
- jean solar time
- mwan solar time
- msan solar time
- mdan solar time
- mran solar time
- m4an solar time
- m3an solar time
- mezn solar time
- mesn solar time
- mewn solar time
- meqn solar time
- meab solar time
- meam solar time
- meaj solar time
- meah solar time
- mean aolar time
- mean zolar time
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