Time zones can be confusing sometimes. That’s why familiarizing yourself with these time zones can help you, especially when you are traveling. Aside from knowing what your local time is, it is also vital to learn more about it and its relationship with other time zones. This way, you can avoid time confusion, particularly if your country observes more than a single time zone.

Eastern Time

Eastern Time (ET) is also known as Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). It is observed in North America and the Caribbean, making it the easternmost time zone in the United States. In addition, it is also recognized as the second easternmost in Canada.

EST is 5 hours behind the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). It is a famous time zone because it covers 23 U.S. states and three provinces and territories in Canada. Though almost half of America’s population observes Eastern Time, EST still shares a border with Atlantic Standard Time (AST) in the east. 

On the west, Eastern Time shares a border with Central Standard Time. As such, some people ask why people consider Eastern Time more than Atlantic Time. It is essential to understand that those countries, states, and provinces following EST use this time zone even if it observes Daylight Saving Time or not. 

Eastern Standard Time is often referred to as Eastern Time (ET) or the Eastern Time Zone. This is why some people get confused about whether  Eastern Time is standard time or Daylight Saving Time. Take note that Eastern Time switches between EST and EDT in areas that use DST during the year.

Atlantic Time

Atlantic Standard Time (AST) is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time. During standard time, it is observed in North America, the Atlantic, Caribbean. AST is the easternmost time zone in North America which is also used in the northeast of Canada. 

Atlantic Standard Time covers four provinces in Canada. Meanwhile, in North America, AST is a standard time zone used from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March when the country does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Atlantic Daylight Time is used during the rest of the year.

Eastern Time and Atlantic Time are two different time zones, and some people get confused about them. To avoid any confusion between these two, learning which countries and states follow these time zones can help you. What matters most is that you are familiar with your local time and know its relationship with the UTC.