Exploring the Shift to Atomic Clocks and Leap Seconds

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This chapter explores the history of timekeeping and the shift from measuring time based on the rotation of the Earth to using atomic clocks. It discusses the limitations of Earth as a timekeeper and the development of atomic clocks for more accurate time measurement. It also introduces the leap second system, which seeks to reconcile Earth rotation time with atomic clocks.

When you’re on the clock, you’re always running out of time – because in our culture, time is money. The relentless countdown is making us and the planet sick. But clock time isn’t the only kind. There are older, deeper rhythms of time that sustain life. What would it be like to live more in tune with nature’s clocks?

**Deep Time is a series all about the natural ecologies of time from To The Best Of Our Knowledge and the Center for Humans and Nature. We'll explore life beyond the clock, develop habits of "timefulness" and learn how to live with greater awareness of the many types of time in our lives.

Original Air Date: June 03, 2023

Interviews In This Hour:

How time came to rule our lives — and how we might free ourselves — The past and future of keeping time

Guests:

Jenny Odell, David Rooney

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