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The difference between UTC and GMT is that GMT used to also refer to astronomical time (UTC-12), so UTC is preferred for clarity. They are otherwise identical,
by aninhumer 13y ago
The difference between UTC and GMT is that GMT used to also refer to astronomical time (UTC-12), so UTC is preferred for clarity.
They are otherwise identical, so "nearly" is just confusing here.
- nawitus 13y agoWikipedia states that GMT doesn't have a precise definition: "The term Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) does not have a precise definition at the sub-second level, but it is often considered equivalent to UTC or UT1. Saying "GMT" often implies either UTC or UT1 when used within informal or casual contexts. In technical contexts, usage of "GMT" is avoided; the unambiguous terminology "UTC" or "UT1" is preferred."
- aninhumer 13y agoYou are correct, and I should have been more precise in my criticism. Nonetheless I think describing GMT as "nearly UTC" isn't particularly helpful, since it's not defined accurately enough to be wrong. Furthermore, EDT is defined in terms of UTC, so there's no reason to mention GMT at all.
- nawitus 13y agoI think I mentioned GMT for it's familiarity. I think "nearly UTC" is fitting, as it's close to UTC even though it's not precisely defined.