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The Definition of UTC

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

Dennis D. McCarthy
Dennis D. McCarthy*
Affiliation:
U. S. Naval Observatory 3450 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington DC 20392-5420, USA e-mail: dmc@maia.usno.navy.mil

Abstract

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The current definition of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is related to the unpredictable, variable rotation rate of the Earth. This is accomplished by irregular insertions of leap seconds, creating unpredictable discontinuities in UTC. With the increasing importance of a continuous, uniform time scale for users, it is appropriate to re-examine the current definition of this time scale. There are several possibilities to address this problem, and it is appropriate that the International Astronomical Union establish a working group to investigate the continuing need for leap seconds and possible changes in the definition of UTC.

Information

Type
Section 4. Time and Standards
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 180: Towards Models and Constants for Sub-Microarcsecond Astrometry , March 2000 , pp. 363 - 371
Copyright
Copyright © US Naval Observatory 2000

References

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