LinkBack URL
About LinkBacksWe all know atomic clocks are the most precise timekeepers known to man. But they've only been in existence since the 50's. My question is who set the 1st atomic clock and how did they know that was the right time?
We all know atomic clocks are the most precise timekeepers known to man. But they've only been in existence since the 50's. My question is who set the 1st atomic clock and how did they know that was the right time?
Astronomical observations, after all that what defines time (as in it's 4:30 pm UTC).
Atomic clocks measure seconds, not time. They are continually resetting atomic clocks to match the heavens.....
Last edited by lysanderxiii; June 6th, 2011 at 22:47.
Parit enim conversatio contemptum; raritas conciliat admirationem.- Lucius Apuleius
est necessry, accurate ad secundo? - Lysander magna
iustum est horologium - Obscurus Genius
I'm not sure that astronomical observations define time. I believe that time is defined, as least the length of a second , by the half life of Cesium 133. This is measured by a Geiger counter, and I suppose that once they calibrated their Geiger counter accurately, they were confident of their measurement of time. This is sheer supposition on my part for what is a very good and intriguing question.
The group that maintains UTC coordinates what the time is... They do so by taking the input from a number of atomic clocks and merging them. Then they tell each source how far off they are so the sources can synch with the UTC determined time. The sources are electronic devices that count atomic-level events like the spin of an atom. Or, at least that is how I understand it.Originally Posted by Somewhere else
.
"Forever is composed of nows." - Emily Dickinson
"The watch has to be surrounded by a history. You need more than just a great design. You need to create an atmosphere around the product.
Who is the company behind it? Why are they using this material?
People need to be able to identify the watch with themselves. It's based on emotion." - Ralph Furter
Funny that I found this thread... I just finished an article about atomic clocks and the leap second. Here is the article, but unfortunately you have to be a member to read it....
The Future of Time: UTC and the Leap Second » American Scientist
A good description is here though...
Leap second - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
YMMV
Thanks,
Mike
_________________________________
Seiko Orange Monster --- Seiko Black Monster --- Hamilton Khaki Chronograph 7750 --- Seiko SKX171 mod --- IWI Pilot ETA---
Aeromatic Flieger Type B --- Orient Blue Mako --- Poljot "Cosmonaut" 3133 Chronograph --- Boschett Ocean Mariner Black
Fascinating stuff - thanks for posting
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote