Time standard

The Leap Second

The extra second occasionally inserted into Coordinated Universal Time to keep it within 0.9 seconds of UT1, so that civil clocks stay in step with the turning of the Earth. As atomic time and Earth rotation drift apart, leap seconds bridge the gap — a practice now being reconsidered.

Highlights

›Keeping the clock in step with the spinning Earth

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Universal Time (UT1)

Knowledge connections

Associated withCoordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Associated withUniversal Time (UT1)
Associated withInternational Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS)

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

US Naval ObservatoryUnited States Naval Observatory
Precise time, almanac data, Sun/Moon rise-set, and phases.

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The Leap Second

Highlights

Bodies, frames & concepts

Knowledge connections

Sources

The Leap Second

Highlights

Bodies, frames & concepts

Knowledge connections

Sources