What is a Leap Second?
A leap second is an additional second that is occasionally added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to keep it in sync with the Earth's rotation. The Earth's rotation is not perfectly constant, and it can vary due to gravitational forces, tectonic activity, and other factors. As a result, atomic time, which is based on the vibrations of atoms, can drift away from solar time, which is based on the position of the sun in the sky.
Leap seconds are introduced to ensure that the difference between UTC and astronomical time does not exceed 0.9 seconds. This adjustment is typically made either on June 30 or December 31 of a given year. Since the introduction of leap seconds in 1972, there have been numerous instances where these extra seconds have been added to maintain the accuracy of our timekeeping systems.
The decision to add a leap second is made by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). While leap seconds help keep our timekeeping in line with the natural world, they can also pose challenges for technology and systems that rely on precise timing, such as GPS and telecommunications.
In summary, a leap second is a crucial adjustment in our timekeeping system, ensuring that our clocks remain in sync with the Earth's rotation. Understanding leap seconds is essential for those interested in time measurement, astronomy, and the science of timekeeping.
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