Time just changed forever
The international group managing world time has decided to stop adding leap seconds and will create a separate clock for the moon.
Reported by Al Jazeera · context written by Hushread
In brief
- A group responsible for global timekeeping has voted to stop adding leap seconds to the world's clocks.
- This decision ends a practice that has lasted for more than 50 years.
- The moon will now have its own separate clock system, distinct from Earth's timekeeping.
- The change marks a significant shift in how time is managed internationally.
- The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera on October 22, 2026.
What happened
A group that oversees the world's clocks has decided to stop adding extra seconds, known as leap seconds, to official time. Alongside this, the moon will now have its own clock, separate from Earth's time system.
Why it matters
This change affects how time is measured and coordinated worldwide, which is important for technology, navigation, and scientific research. Creating a separate clock for the moon could help future lunar missions and activities operate with more precision.
How we got here
For over 50 years, timekeepers have occasionally added leap seconds to keep clocks in sync with Earth's rotation. The decision to stop this practice and create a lunar clock reflects changes in how time is managed as human activity expands beyond Earth.
What happens next
Expect new systems for tracking time on the moon to be developed and adopted. The end of leap seconds may also lead to updates in international standards and technology that rely on precise timekeeping.