Who Established GMT and Why It Matters

Discover who decided on GMT and its significance as the world's time standard.

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GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) was established at the 1884 International Meridian Conference held in Washington, D.C. Representatives chose the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England as the prime meridian (0° longitude), making GMT the world's standard time reference.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Greenwich Mean Time? Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is a time standard that was established in 1884 and serves as a reference point for global time zones.
  2. Why was Greenwich chosen as the prime meridian? Greenwich was chosen due to the Royal Observatory's established reputation and its role in navigation, providing a clear reference for timekeeping.
  3. How does GMT affect time zones? GMT serves as the baseline for defining time zones worldwide, influencing how different regions calculate their local time.
  4. Who attended the International Meridian Conference? Delegates from 25 different nations attended the 1884 International Meridian Conference, where GMT was established.