Mechanics: Does passive alignment reduce your time to warp?

No, passive alignment is a common myth in EVE, but it doesn't actually lessen the time to enter warp. As far as the game simulation goes ships don't actually have a facing, instead they're spheres with a movement vector. When your ship's speed is 0 that vector isn't pointing in any particular direction. If you then start moving in a given direction your movement vector is immediately pointing in the direction of movement.

While the client shows your ship facing in a particular direction when stopped and gradually turning towards your destination when you try to warp somewhere, this is just an illusion. As far the server is concerned the ship is already moving in the direction of the warp as soon it processes the warp command. Once the server determines your ship is moving at 75% of your maximum speed you'll enter warp.

This means that the align time for your ship shown in the fitting window, rounded up to the nearest second, is how long it will take you to enter warp from a stationary position regardless of the direction of the warp.

Passive alignment is a lie
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