What is GMT?

GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time, is an international timekeeping system used to determine standard time and Daylight Saving Time (DST) around the world. Owned by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London and operated by the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, GMT is regarded as the universal standard for accurately measuring time, backed up by scientific evidence.

GMT – The Centre of World’s Time

GMT has become a reference point for many global organisations and is known as the official world time. Despite the emergence of other official world times, GMT remains the global standard, as other time zones are all determined according to their deviation from GMT. For example, UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the same as GMT but it does not adjust for Daylight Saving Time, whilst BST (British Summer Time), is GMT +01, taking into consideration one hour of adjustment for daylight savings.

What Does GMT Provide?

GMT helps us create a consistent time reference to all corners of the globe. It helps the whole world operate more efficiently, running activities in a uniform time zone, allowing us to sync our lives more effectively. GMT provides the reference time for meeting agendas, webinars, and all global communication. It also provides accurate time for the world’s financial markets, legal transactions and terrestrial navigation, helping to ensure the global order runs properly and accurately.

GMT is a critical aspect of international relations, bridging the gap between nations that span multiple time zones. For example, airlines do not want to miss their times of departure too far because passengers may miss connecting flights, and concerns about personal safety when crossing different time zones can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. By having multiple time zones arranged according to GMT, we can easily keep on track around the world.

GMT also provides a timeline for everyday life, for example for people to plan their day, get up to speed with current events, or plan for future commitments. This is where Daylight Saving Time comes into play; allowing us to gain extra time by ‘saving’ one hour in the summer months. This helps us make the most of the daylight hours and have an easier time keeping track of time due to a more consistent daylight pattern in our lives.

GMT is a critical part of global understanding and communication and it helps us know that when it says ‘8 o’clock’ on our TV screen in one part of the world, it is also ‘8 o’clock’ somewhere else across the globe. Knowing the GMT time creates a unified standard, bridges the gap between international boundaries, and helps us keep our lives running smoothly.