Atomic time refers to the time from any of several atomic clocks that are maintained around the world. More specifically, it can refer to the International Atomic Time Standard. BPIM: International atomic time Using modern technology such as radio waves, satellite communications and the Internet, millions of people around the world can synchronize their own timepieces with one of more than 50 atomic clocks in order to get the most accurate time. How Stuff Works: How do radio-controlled clocks set themselves to the atomic clock in Colorado?
Atomic Time in the US
The NIST-F1 Cesium Fountain Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado, is the current time standard for the United States. It is accurate to one second in 60 million years. NIST Cesium Fountain Atomic Clock However, this standard may change. In February, 2008, scientists debuted a new clock based on Strontium. The new clock is accurate to one second in 200 million years, making it more than twice as accurate as previous models.NIST news release: JILA Strontium clock (February 14, 2008)
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Fast Facts
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International System of units has defined a second as "the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the Cesium-133 atom" BIPM: Definition of "second"
