Re: F-ckin Leap Seconds, how do they work?

Owen DeLong <owen@delong.com> wrote:

Since we have a tradition of measuring diurnal and other repetitive cycles (days) based on the rotation of the earth, we end up with fudge factors to make that line up with months from time to time. (leap seconds).

That is not what leap seconds are. Leap seconds are to align the artificial and very stable atomic timescale with the irregular and slowing rotation of the earth. Tony. -- f.anthony.n.finch <dot@dotat.at> http://dotat.at/ Faeroes, South-east Iceland: Easterly 5 or 6, backing northeasterly 4 or 5. Moderate. Occasional rain, fog patches in Faeroes. Moderate or good, occasionally very poor in Faeroes.