On June 30, 2024, a leap second will be added to keep atomic clocks in sync with the Earth’s slightly slowing rotation. This adjustment, decided by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, will occur at 23:59:60 UTC. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Naval Observatory are responsible for maintaining atomic time in the U.S. and will implement this change, as they have done 18 times since 1972.
Leap seconds are necessary because atomic clocks are extremely accurate, while the Earth’s rotation varies slightly each day. To keep time consistent, an extra second is added to the clock time, effectively slowing it down to match the Earth’s rotation. This year’s leap second will give people an extra second to use wisely, whether for work or play. NIST, as a non-regulatory agency, supports economic growth by advancing technology and standards.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/1994/05/wait-second-lets-not-leap-until-june-30
Keywords: atomic clocks, leap second, timekeeping
