International Bureau of Weights and Measurements ends leap seconds in May 2027
The International Bureau of Weights and Measurements announced on Thursday that it will stop issuing leap seconds to Coordinated Universal Time starting in May 2027.
Reason for the change
Leap seconds were added since 1972 to keep atomic clocks aligned with Earth's rotation. The planet spins slower due to tidal friction from the moon and other factors like ocean movements. This adjustment bridges the gap between atomic time and astronomical Universal Time.
End of the practice
The BIPM stated that no new leap seconds will be issued after May 2027. Thirty-two leap seconds have been added to UTC since the system began in 1972. This decision removes an obscure metric that most people never notice.
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