From the Guardian · · 1m 10s
Time's Up for Leap Second
Scientists replace leap seconds with leap hours to fix tech glitches.
In brief
Scientists replace leap seconds with leap hours to fix tech glitches. The world’s timekeepers voted to replace leap seconds with leap hours to prevent computer system failures. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Scientists vote to replace leap seconds
Delegates from 69 countries approved switching to leap hours after decades of debate.
Leap hour aims to fix tech issues
The change reduces risks of computer systems tripping over as software handles minutes with 61 or 59 seconds.
Dr Setnam Shemar explains benefits
The leap hour preserves Earth’s rotation link while cutting tech risks for infrastructure.
Leap seconds have caused tech failures
Computer systems froze after leap seconds in 2012, including Reddit and LinkedIn.
Earth’s rotation changes over time
Earth’s rotation has slowed since dinosaurs, with 27 leap seconds added since 1972.
Negative leap seconds pose new risks
Software may not handle negative leap seconds, which could cause system failures.
Leap hour change may take millennia
The leap hour switch won’t happen for thousands of years due to Earth’s slow rotation changes.
The short version
The world’s timekeepers voted to replace leap seconds with leap hours to prevent computer system failures.
