What is True Midnight: 12:00 AM or 12:00 PM?
The concept of time and its notations has been a subject of debate for centuries, particularly when it comes to the exact meaning of certain notations, such as 12:00 AM or 12:00 PM. This article aims to clear up the confusion surrounding these times and explain the true meaning of midnight in the context of standard time notations.
Overview of Time Notations
Midnight, denoted as 12:00 AM, marks the beginning of a new day. On the other hand, 12:00 PM signifies noon or midday. These notations may seem straightforward, but there is a deeper understanding to them that often leads to misinterpretation.
Evolving Notations
Originally, the term 'midnight' was used to describe the time around 11:59 PM when the sun was just about to set, while 'midday' was used for approximately 12:01 PM when the sun was just about to rise. However, modern conventions dictate that 12:00 AM represents midnight, and 12:00 PM signifies noon. This change in notation aligns the times with the 24-hour clock system.
Etymology and Modern Conventions
Etymologically, 'a.m.' stands for ‘ante meridiem,’ which means 'before midday,' while 'p.m.' stands for ‘post meridiem,’ meaning 'after midday.' Therefore, a time cannot be 12:00 AM or 12:00 PM as they represent different parts of the day. Similarly, midday (noon) is neither a.m. nor p.m., it is 12:00 noon. This is why modern conventions use 00:00 to denote midnight and 12:00 to denote noon on a 24-hour clock.
Logical Confusion
Many find it confusing that 12:00 AM is still considered midnight when the clock has already ticked over into a new day. In a 12-hour clock system, 12:00 AM is the moment when the day ends, while 12:00 PM is the moment when the day begins. This transition is seamless, as the first second of 12:00 AM is actually part of the previous day, yet it marks the start of the new day.
Suggested Notations
While 12:00 AM is officially midnight, some suggest using 12M for midnight and 12N for noon to avoid confusion. However, even this suggestion may lead to similar confusion, as these notations are not widely understood. Additionally, using 00:00 for midnight and 12:00 for noon aligns with the 24-hour clock system, thereby reducing confusion.
Scientific Debate
The scientific community has long debated these notations, with notable figures such as Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein engaging in heated discussions about the precise definition of these times. Despite these debates, no final resolution has been reached, leading to the current conventions we adhere to.
Conclusion
In summary, midnight is strictly 12:00 AM, and no other time can be considered midnight. It is the transition point between the end of one day and the beginning of the next. Similarly, 12:00 PM is noon, and it signifies the midpoint of the day. While the terminology can be confusing, adherence to standard conventions can help clarify these terms.