Space, GPS & MapsTimekeeping

The Country That Skipped a Day

Samoa jumped straight from 29 to 31 December 2011

One Thursday night in 2011, a whole country went to bed and woke up on Saturday. Where did Friday go?

You'll find out

  • How a flight lands before it leaves
  • Who decides where the day changes
  • Why sailors lost a day in 1522

Why it matters

Every flight, video call and deadline across an ocean depends on agreeing what day it is on the other side.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 84 · Zone 10

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