NIST Infrastructure Provides Master Time Signal Across North America
What happened
The National Institute of Standards and Technology provided master time across North America using a radio tower located outside Fort Collins. This signal, which is fed by 16 atomic clocks in Boulder, caused millions of clocks to automatically adjust their time. The system is critical, as official U.S. time was previously noted to slip due to a power outage last December.
From komando.com
Why it matters
The master time provided by NIST is foundational for various critical systems. These systems include GPS, cell towers, and banking operations. The successful operation of this infrastructure ensures the continuous synchronization required by these industries.
From komando.com
Who's involved
- National Institute of Standards and TechnologyOperates the critical time infrastructure and the radio station WWVB
- Fort CollinsLocation where the radio tower facility is situated
- BoulderLocation housing the 16 atomic clocks used to generate the master time
- ColoradoState jurisdiction where the infrastructure operates
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The entities involved
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National Institute of Standards and Technology
measurement standards laboratory in the United States
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Boulder
city in and county seat of Boulder County, Colorado, United States
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Fort Collins
city and county seat of Larimer County, Colorado, United States