LEAP SECOND TIME ADJUSTMENT DAY
Leap Second Time Adjustment Day is listed as an observance title only. Some years scientists do not make adjustments. But, if they do, then it’s done on either June 30 or December 31.
#LeapSecondTimeAdjustmentDay
The majority of the world measures time solely based on a 24 hour day in which each hour contains 60 minutes, and each minute contains 60 seconds. That measurement is much too simple for accurate time measurement.
Since about 140 AD, scientists have attempted to break down the hours in the day into a consistent and precise means of measure. Due to the variability of the Earth’s rotation, measurement of the 24 hour day is not an exact science. There is some dispute over the validity of leap second adjustments. Some years scientists do not make adjustments. But, if they do, then it’s done on either June 30 or December 31. Between 1972 and 2020, scientists have added 27 leap seconds. Another factor impacting the atomic clock is the fact that the Earth’s rotation is slowing, which means the length of our day is getting longer. In 2020, scientists determined that no leap second was needed.
HOW TO OBSERVE LEAP SECOND TIME ADJUSTMENT DAY
Whether an adjustment is made or not, here are ways to celebrate:
- Watch an episode of Quantum Leap.
- Play the game leapfrog.
- Listen to “Leap of Faith” by Bruce Springsteen.
- Sneak up on someone and see if you can scare them into leaping into the air.
- Leap for joy.
- Watch the moon landing and listen for Neil Armstrong’s famous quote.
- Sing the 12 Days of Christmas and see if you remember which day leaps.
- Take a leap of faith.
Use #LeapSecondTimeAdjustmentDay to post on social media.
LEAP SECOND TIME ADJUSTMENT DAY HISTORY
Scientists first introduced the leap-second system in 1972.
