Telling time is more accessible these days. Unlike before, when there are no time tools, you can just simply look in your wristwatch, wall clock, or even your smartphone to stay updated with time. If you have a smartwatch that automatically updates time, you won't have problems with time no matter what time zone you are in. 

Because of modern technology, some people don't have the curiosity to learn why there are time zones, what the UTC time format is, and even the significance of understanding time. But if you are one of those who want to improve your knowledge when it comes to time, you're on the right page because later on, you'll discover what UTC is and everything you need to know about it.

The Universal Time Coordinated

Time is significant because many countries depend on it. For instance, weather observations around the world are taken concerning a standard time. Most of the time, weather communities use a twenty-four-hour clock similar to the "military" time based on the 0° longitude meridian. This is also known as the Greenwich meridian.

In 1972, the time in Greenwich meridian was referred to as the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). But in these modern days, GMT is now called the Coordinated Universal Time. This is the same with the Universal Time Coordinated or what is abbreviated as UTC. The Universal Time Coordinated is a coordinated time scale. It is maintained by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), which is also known as the "Z time" or "Zulu Time. "

The UTC time plays a vital role because other time zones depend on it. For example, you can tell what time it is in the United States by subtracting a certain number of hours from UTC. However, note that it depends on how many time zones you are away from Greenwich (England).

Daylight Saving Time and UTC

Many time zones observe Daylight Saving Time. Although there are countries and even states who have filed bills to abolish the biennial tradition, these places still need the approval of Congress. When it comes to the Coordinated Universal Time, Daylight Saving Time doesn't affect it. 

So what happens to the UTC time format once Daylight Saving Time starts? The answer is none because the time on the zero or Greenwich meridian is not adjusted to reflect changes. But if you are living in a timezone that observes this tradition, you need to change your clocks in specific periods.

The UTC Time Format

The UTC format has different variations. In other formats, UTC is replaced with Z, which is the zero UTC offset. For instance, UTC time in ISO-8601 is xx:xx:xxZ. The Z letter is added without a space. Another UTC format is a 12-hour clock time (AM/PM) xx:xx:xx.

Time can be confusing sometimes, but telling time becomes a piece of cake if you understand it you have the right tools. Although there are many time zones, you can focus on your local time and use the standard UTC time format. You also need to change your clocks twice a year if your country follows Daylight Saving Time.