In the past, a majority of people were in favor of daylight saving time (DST). A recent Rasmussen Pole now shows a majority are agreeing with most amateur astronomers and the rest of the world; All things considered, DST it is just not worth doing. Setting aside the inconvenience of resetting digital clocks, the adjustment does take a toll on many people.
Where you live makes a big difference on how DST and standard time zones affect you. Here in the Denver metro area we are fortunate. We live in the middle of the Mountain Time zone which minimizes many of the negative effects. Those living at the extreme edge of a time zone, where the Sun rises on average a half hour earlier (east edge) or later (west edge) feel the negative effects most.
If you have an interest in the subject I strongly suggest you read Kelly Beatty’s excellent discussion of the subject here in the Sky & Telescope blog. Reader comments, which are from around the world, are also worth reading. Some comments are questionable, but most are honest concerns some of which many people are unaware of. It won’t end the controversy, but hopefully raise some issues that have not been fully addressed in the debate.
I have done previous articles on DST here and here. If you have an opinion I would like to hear it.
Wishing you clear skies and don’t forget to look for Comet PANSTARRS.
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