Short Wave The Great Space (Clock) Race
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Jan 6, 2025 Discover how atomic clocks revolutionize GPS and space navigation. From historical challenges with longitude at sea to breakthroughs in atomic physics, the quest for precision in timekeeping unfolds. Learn about innovative strontium ion clocks designed to enhance our understanding of gravity and quantum mechanics. The collaborative efforts at NASA's Quest Lab showcase cutting-edge research and the race to develop prototypes that could redefine our cosmic insights by 2025. Time isn't just ticking; it's paving the way for significant scientific discoveries!
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The Longitude Problem
- In the 1600s, calculating longitude was difficult, leading to shipwrecks due to clock drift.
- The marine chronometer, a precise pendulum clock, solved this problem, enabling safer seafaring.
Atomic Clocks in Orbit
- Many atomic clocks orbit Earth on satellites, crucial for GPS, internet timing, and stock trading.
- These clocks, however, drift and require regular updates from Earth.
How Clocks Work
- All clocks are feedback loops with three elements: an oscillator, a counter, and a reference.
- Modern clocks use quartz oscillators that vibrate at precise frequencies, measured by a counter.
