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The Future of Leap Seconds

Posted by michael on from the stuff-you-thought-you'd-never-think-about dept.

@10u8 writes "Since 1972 precision clocks around the world have ticked using atomic seconds, but earth rotation is slowing down. Leap seconds have been inserted in order to keep noon happening at noon, but they upset some timekeepers. Recent discussions have considered discontinuing leap seconds in UTC, and a colloquium in Torino next month will present results. It is a matter of international significance."

2 of 345 comments (clear)

  1. Why is earth's rotation slowing down ? by zymano · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Too many people farting in one direction.

  2. It's not a hude deal. by Znonymous+Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Everyone is always saying "There aren't enough hours in a day". If the Earth is slowing down, we can just add more hours to the day to make up for it. Think of all the lives we will be improving. I mean, I could jack off at least 26 times in a 26 hour day. Yes!

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    Karma: The shiznight, mostly because I am the Drizzle.