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What is Astronomical Mean Time?

4.7 based on 3 ratings

Updated on Mar 01, 2013

Grade Level: Middle School; Type: Earth Science


In this “paper and pen” experiment, students will research the difference between standard time and astronomical mean time. Using the longitude of their city, they will calculate the astronomical mean time of their particular location.

Research Questions:

  • What is standard time? Astronomical mean time?
  • What is the relationship between meridian lines, standard time and astronomical mean time?
  • How is time is associated with each degree of longitude?


  • Paper and pen
  • Internet access
  • Good map showing time zones and meridians

Experimental Procedure

  1. Research definitions of astronomical mean time, standard time, and meridians.
  2. Using the link below (or any other reputable source) to find your longitude.
  3. Determine what time zone you are in. Determine which the standard longitude line associated with your time zone. For Eastern Standard, the standard longitude is 75 degrees. For Central Time, the standard longitude is 90 degrees. For Mountain and Pacific Time, the standard longitudes are 105 and 120 degrees, respectively.
  4. Determine how many degrees away you are from your time zone standard. Multiply this under by 4. If you are located to the east of the time zone standard, this is a positive value. If you are located to the west, it is a negative value.
  5. Add the number you calculated in #4 to your present clock time. Be careful and pay attention to whether the sign is positive or negative.
  6. Double check whether it is daylight savings time. If it is daily savings time, subtract one hour. This final value will be your mean astronomical time. Unless you live right on the meridian, this will be a different value than the time on your clock.

Terms/Concepts: meridians, international date line, standard time, relationship between standard time and mean astronomical time.


  • SatelliteSignal.net: Find Your Longitude and Latitude