Global Timekeeping Standards Shift: Leap Second Replaced by Leap Hour
- Reports
- 3
- Developments
- 3
- Repetition
- 0%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
The 28th meeting of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) was held in Versailles, France, where seven resolutions were adopted regarding the global measurement system and the future of timekeeping. During the conference, scientists voted to replace the leap second with a leap hour, which will extend the allowed difference between Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and Earth’s rotation time (UT1) to one hour.
From parisguardian.com, middleeaststar.com, scientificamerican.com
Why it matters
The resolutions address the digital transformation of the global metrology system and the technical actions needed to ensure the continuity of UTC. Since UTC is the world’s standard timescale used by navigation systems and computers, the shift in timekeeping standards is a major change to global infrastructure.
From parisguardian.com, scientificamerican.com, middleeaststar.com
Who's involved
- Noël DimarcqSenior scientist at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures’ Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency
- International Bureau of Weights and MeasuresIntergovernmental organization that supports the global measurement system
- Emirates Metrology InstituteRepresented the United Arab Emirates at the conference
- United Arab EmiratesCountry that participated in the conference to expand technical partnerships
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MetaSpeculative
New global metrology standards and digital transformation might mandate infrastructure upgrades and compliance costs for Meta.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- National physical laboratory may adjust systems for continuous timeThe National Physical Laboratory may adjust its systems for continuous time standardsLikely
- Global metrology changes may require ADQCC to update national standardsGlobal metrology changes may require ADQCC to update national standardsLikely
- Google may need major updates for new global time standardGoogle may need major updates for new global time standardLikely
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.Emirates Metrology Institute participated in the CGPM meeting in Versailles.1 source
Emirates Metrology Institute participated in the CGPM meetings at BIPM.1 source
Noël Dimarcq participated in the CGPM meeting held in Versailles, France.1 source
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The entities involved
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International Bureau of Weights and Measures
intergovernmental organization established by the Metre Convention