Tony Finch wrote:
This is why DST is a sensible solution to the problem of the mismatch between natural human preferences and inflexible timetables based on mean solar time.
I don't think "inflexible" is the right choice of words, but I'll let it pass to make a more basic point. DST only offers the opportunity for sensible seasonal solutions. In the absence of coherent government oversight (an oxymoron if ever there was), no such solution will be sensible.
I continue to question whether DST is the right platform for accommodating secular shifts in the underlying worldwide civil timescale. Some sort of longitudinal study would be required to build a case for any "solution" that doesn't stabilize the timescale.
Your phrasing there makes it sound like you think DST increases the supply of daylight.
No, just that the pressure to do the job right is greater when the resource is in shorter supply. Since DST is actually applied precisely when it spills over both further into the morning and further into the evening hours, I question whether your explanation is complete or consistent.
Having said that, there is a general tendency for time zones to move so that they are centred further west than their nominal meridian.
As with other clock and calendrical issues, there is rather a tendency to overgeneralize. For instance, it would be very interesting to contrast DST policies in the southern hemisphere with those in the north. The Earth is very asymmetric north and south and such a study would be likely to reveal interesting usage patterns relating to underlying human factors.
Rob _______________________________________________ LEAPSECS mailing list [email protected] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/leapsecs
