The 28th CGPM adopted Resolution 5, deciding that the maximum allowed difference between UTC and UT1 (Earth's rotation time) will be increased by or before 2035, eliminating the need for future leap seconds. This ensures UTC continuity for at least a century, responding to industrial and critical infrastructure users who require uninterrupted timekeeping for systems like transportation, energy, and telecommunications.
Background
UTC has used leap seconds since 1972 to keep it within 0.9 seconds of UT1 (Earth rotation time). Growing concerns from tech and infrastructure industries about leap second disruptions led to ongoing debates about reforming the system.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Oct 16, 2026 at 04:22 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10