The Diomede Islands are two islands in the Arctic Ocean, between Alaska and Siberia. Despite the distance being 4 kilometres, there is a time difference of 21 hours between them. Why?
I’m asking because it’s quite difficult for me to grasp the concept of time differences when the physical distances are so short. I know of the International Date Line, but I’m not sure what it entails. If any nerds would care to enlighten me, I’d appreciate it!
(This question also applies to the Kiribati Island and Howland Island; the time difference is ~26 hours, yet the physical distance is only ~2160 km?)
Imagine you’re standing ten paces from the south pole. It’s 12:00, noon. You then start walking south, and continue in the same direction for twenty paces. You’re now on the other side of the world, and it’s 00:00, midnight. Twenty paces have a 12 hour time difference.