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Re: F-ckin Leap Seconds, how do they work?


From: Tony Finch <dot () dotat at>
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2012 22:24:39 +0100

Owen DeLong <owen () delong com> wrote:

Since we have a tradition of measuring diurnal and other repetitive
cycles (days) based on the rotation of the earth, we end up with fudge
factors to make that line up with months from time to time. (leap
seconds).

That is not what leap seconds are.

Leap seconds are to align the artificial and very stable atomic timescale
with the irregular and slowing rotation of the earth.

Tony.
-- 
f.anthony.n.finch  <dot () dotat at>  http://dotat.at/
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Moderate. Occasional rain, fog patches in Faeroes. Moderate or good,
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