The Most Precise Atomic Clock Yet: A 1-Second Delay for 30 Billion Years
By: Dr. Mohamed Abdelaity Farag–In the vast expanse of the universe, the concept of time holds a profound significance.
From the moment of the Big Bang, when space and time came into existence, humanity has been captivated by the enigmatic nature of time.
Throughout history, mankind has strived to comprehend, measure, and quantify this fundamental element.
Over time, a multitude of tools have been invented to serve this purpose, culminating in the development of atomic clocks.
From Sandglass to Mechanical Watches
In earlier civilizations, where agriculture dominated the economic landscape, the precision of time measurement was not of utmost importance.
Primitive methods such as the sandglass were employed to keep track of time.
However, as societies progressed, mechanical watches emerged and flourished, particularly during the era of the Islamic civilization.
Timekeeping in the Modern Era
In the last century, the demand for accurate and highly precise timekeeping devices skyrocketed due to the telecommunication revolution and the exploration of space.
Today, humans possess watches capable of measuring time to one-fifteenth of a billionth of a second, with a synchronization loss of just one second over a span of 30 billion years.
These remarkable timepieces are known as atomic clocks, although they rely on common microwave radiation rather than atomic radiation.
Synchronizing Internet Servers and GPS
While the level of accuracy achieved by atomic clocks may seem excessive, their precision plays a crucial role in our modern daily lives. Surprisingly, as you read this article, you are indirectly relying on an atomic clock, albeit with lower accuracy, as these clocks are used to synchronize internet servers worldwide.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) heavily relies on atomic clocks.
GPS utilizes electromagnetic waves to communicate with devices such as phones, cars, and planes.
As electromagnetic waves travel at a staggering speed of 300,000 kilometers per second, precise timing is essential. Each GPS satellite is equipped with an atomic clock, allowing it to transmit its position and clock time.
By calculating the time delay between the transmission and reception of signals from multiple satellites, a GPS receiver can accurately determine its distance from each satellite and pinpoint its exact location.
Trajectory Coordination and Avoiding Collisions
In the realm of space exploration, atomic clocks are indispensable for precisely coordinating the trajectories of space shuttles, probes, and satellites.
Direct communication with crafts situated at great distances becomes impossible, rendering accurate timekeeping a necessity. Hence, any discrepancy in timing, even by a millisecond, could jeopardize critical missions.
Furthermore, these clocks play a vital role in determining the relative positions of spacecraft, aiding in-flight maneuvers and safe landings.
Even a microsecond (one-millionth of a second) discrepancy could have catastrophic consequences over long distances.
Conclusion
The development of atomic clocks has revolutionized timekeeping, enabling unprecedented levels of precision.
From synchronizing internet servers to facilitating global navigation through GPS, these timekeeping marvels have become an integral part of our daily lives.
In the realm of space exploration, their accuracy is paramount, ensuring the success and safety of critical missions.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe, atomic clocks remain an essential tool in our quest to comprehend and harness the concept of time.
About the author:
Mohamed Farag, Professor Dr. at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University.
