International date line: The international date line is an imaginary

The international date line is an imaginary line that runs north-south across the Pacific Ocean from the North Pole to the South Pole. Learn about the origin, evolution, and significance of the International Date Line (IDL), an imaginary line that separates two calendar days. Find out how the IDL follows the 180° meridian and deviates from it in some places, and how it affects time and date across the globe. The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line that runs from the North to the South Pole and separates two calendar days. The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line on the Earth’s surface that primarily runs along the 180° longitude, separating two consecutive calendar dates. It is not a straight line but zigzags to avoid splitting countries into different days. The line plays a crucial role in global timekeeping and navigation, ensuring the continuity of the 24-hour time system across the world.