Explain International Dateline.

Question

Why 8/8/08 in China & NJ. When flying was told to set date ahead on watch when the dateline was crossed. Itwas 8/8AM here and 8/8PM there . I understand they are 13 hrs ahead butI thoughtonce the dateline was crossed it arbitrarily advanced one day, not 13 hrs. Why?!! Thanks

Answer 1

you're right, time advanced 24 hours when you crossed the international dateline in the westerly direction.  but reason you were told to advance your time 12 hours (not 13 hours due to dst) was to synchronize it with china time, "8/8AM here and 8/8PM there".  if you advanced it 24 hours you'd have to reset it again when you reached China.

Answer 2

OK. So you understand the dateline moves you from one day to the next. The 13 hour difference is the time difference between commie China and NJ.

Like 5 PM here in Manila is 4am in Atlantic City - and not that that's all in the same day! Regardless of the dateline. When you cross the dateline, you either add or take away a day, depending on which way you're going.