16.10.2026 06:20
Due to changes in Earth's rotation speed, the global time system is entering a new era. The practice of "leap second", which in the past caused crashes in computer systems and delays in flights, causing minutes to last 61 seconds, is planned to be abolished. If the regulation, which 69 countries including Turkey will vote on, is accepted, it will enter into force in May 2027. The change will not directly affect daily life or the time shown by clocks.
In 1955, with the development of cesium atomic clocks, time measurement entered an extremely precise era. However, Earth's rotation speed around its own axis continues to change due to ocean currents, the planet's molten core, and natural forces.
Earth, which had historically been slowing down, unexpectedly speeding up in the last decade brought the difference between atomic clocks and time based on the planet's rotation back onto the agenda. To balance this difference, a second was occasionally added to or removed from clocks.
61-SECOND MINUTES CAUSED TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Because of the practice known as the "leap second," some minutes lasted 61 seconds. It was stated that this situation caused system crashes on platforms such as Reddit and LinkedIn, flight delays, and disruptions in global communication networks in the past.
Experts drew attention to the possibility that, with the increase in Earth's rotation speed, the previously untested "negative leap second" practice could also come onto the agenda. It was stated that such an adjustment could lead to greater problems in technological systems.
A NEW ERA IN THE GLOBAL TIME SYSTEM
With the decision taken at the conference held in Versailles, it was adopted that no intervention should be made until the difference between atomic clocks and time based on Earth's rotation reaches one hour.
Thus, the aim is to eliminate the need to constantly add or remove seconds from clocks. Officials state that, considering Earth's current rotation speed, it could take thousands of years before the first "leap hour" adjustment is needed.
WILL THE CHANGE AFFECT DAILY LIFE?
The adjustment in the global time system is not expected to cause a direct change in citizens' daily lives.
The time shown by smartphones, computers, and wristwatches will not change. There will also be no difference in times for going to work, school, or appointments.
The regulation concerns technical time adjustments used in internet infrastructure, global stock exchanges, satellite communications, and airline networks, rather than the working mechanism of atomic clocks.
IT WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED IN TURKEY
Sixty-nine countries that are members of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, including Turkey, are expected to vote to abolish the leap second practice.
If the proposal is accepted, the regulation will enter into force in May 2027.
At the meeting held in 2022, it was accepted that the leap second practice would be gradually abolished by 2035. With the new vote, the aim is to bring this date forward.
Within the scope of the proposal, it is envisaged that official time measurement will be made independent of Earth's rotation and that the difference between atomic time and astronomical time will not exceed one hour.