SMRTR TechOct 15, 2024Scientific American

Leap Seconds May Be Abandoned by the World’s Timekeepers

SMRTR summary

Earth's rotation has accelerated since 1990, possibly requiring the first subtraction of a leap second to align atomic clocks. This change, linked to factors like melting ice and global warming, may postpone a negative leap second until 2029. The need for leap seconds is contested due to complications for technology. Some experts propose longer intervals between adjustments, while others argue precise synchronization with Earth's rotation is less critical for modern applications.

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