The length of a day was traditionally defined by Earth's rotation. Atomic clocks now measure time with great precision, essential for technology including computers and GPS. Global synchronization to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is maintained through atomic clocks. Irregularities in Earth's rotation, influenced by gravitational interactions especially with the moon, cause fluctuations in the length of a day. Accurate timekeeping has become increasingly vital for societal functions, as it affects agriculture, data transmission, and network operations.
"We've always needed to do certain things at certain times, with varying levels of accuracy, like knowing when to plant your crops," says Dr Michael Wouters.
"These precise measurements matter when it comes to technology," according to Dr David Gozzard.
"Computers, servers, GPS systems, banking and electricity networks, as well as large telescopes, all rely on incredibly accurate synchronisation," says Dr Gozzard.
"The rotation of the Earth can be irregular. One day can be a millisecond, or a fraction of a millisecond, shorter or longer than average."
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