This article explores how atomic clocks have transformed the way we measure and experience time. While people often take the time on their devices for granted, it is actually determined by a global network of highly accurate atomic clocks. These clocks, which use the natural frequencies of atoms like cesium, have replaced the Earth’s rotation as the standard for timekeeping. This shift from astronomical to atomic timekeeping began in the 1960s and has since become the foundation of modern time standards, such as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) coordinates these clocks worldwide, ensuring that time is consistent across the globe.
The article also discusses the challenges that come with this system, such as the need for leap seconds to keep atomic time aligned with Earth’s rotation. However, recent changes in Earth’s rotation due to factors like global warming have made this alignment more unpredictable. The shift to atomic time has made time more precise but also more abstract, as it is now managed by experts rather than based on natural, observable phenomena. While this has brought many benefits, such as accurate GPS and global communication, it has also made time less intuitive for the general public. The article concludes by highlighting the remarkable scientific and international collaboration behind atomic timekeeping and the profound impact it has had on modern life.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/how-atomic-clocks-have-changed-our-world
Keywords: atomic clocks, timekeeping, cesium atom
