A time zone difference refers to the variation in local time between different regions of the world. The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each typically one hour apart, based on the position of the sun. For example, when it is noon in New York, it is 9 AM in Los Angeles due to their respective time zones. These differences can affect communication and scheduling, especially in a globalized world. When planning a meeting or event, it's essential to consider the time zone of all participants. For instance, a call scheduled for 3 PM in London will occur at 10 AM in New York.