What does longitude measure in relation to local noon and prime time?

Longitude is a geographic coordinate that plays a crucial role in determining time zones and the timing of local noon. It measures the angle east or west from the Prime Meridian, which is established at 0 degrees longitude.

When considering local noon, which occurs when the sun is at its highest point in the sky for a specific location, the difference in longitude between two places directly correlates to the difference in their local noon times. For every 15 degrees of longitude, there is a difference of one hour in solar time. This means that if one location is located 15 degrees east of another, it will experience local noon one hour later.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the relationship between longitude and the corresponding time differences experienced at different longitudes around the Earth. This concept is essential for understanding how geographic position affects timekeeping, especially when crossing time zones.