Tik Tock: Leap Seconds To Become History - Expert Reaction
Global timekeepers are moving to abolish the 'leap second' to prevent technical glitches in satellite and software systems. The irregular nature of these additions has caused significant issues for computer synchronization, leading to a consensus to stop the practice.
Why it matters
Standardizing timekeeping is critical for the reliability of global digital infrastructure, including airline systems and internet services.
Video | Business Headlines | Internet | Science | Scientific Ethics | Technology | /" style="white-space: nowrap">Search
Timekeepers around the world are abolishing the leap second, the extra second occasionally added to clocks to keep them in step with Earth’s rotation.
The change is an attempt to avoid problems in satellite systems and other critical technology caused by the extra seconds.
The metrologists will meet in Paris in October to officialise the decision , and New Zealand has a seat at the voting table.
“Leap seconds have been added since 1972 to keep solar and atomic time aligned. Unfortunately, most software assumes minutes have 60 seconds, so irregularly inserted extra seconds cause major headaches where computer synchronisation is concerned.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in