It is based on TAI, or International Atomic Time (TAI – this time based on the French), which measures time in seconds as defined by the International System of Units (SI, also French) – which also works on exactly defining other things, like a gram, a meter, an ampere and so on. In a nutshell, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the most widely accepted time standard by which time and clocks are regulated. There are other versions of Universal Time that attempt to smooth out UT1 by filtering out the variation of tidal forces from the Moon, and seasonal changes, yet it remains to be the accurate description of time based on celestial objects. Quasar is an acronym for the term quasi (meaning somewhat)-stellar radio sources – and in this case, radio isn’t referring to the appliance, but to radiation – in other words, light and cosmic rays.īut, we’re getting off topic now. What are quasars? They’re the most energetic and luminous (the intensity of their light) class of celestial phenomenon (things that happen in space) categorized as “active galactic nuclei” – the center of galaxies. In fact, here comes the cool part: UT1 is measured through laser ranging the Moon, analyzing GPS satellite orbits, and observing quasars. UT1 and UTC are both part of the time standard however, UT1 isn’t used globally, and the method to obtaining it varies from UTC, as well. UT1 stands for Universal Time version 1, and it’s the principle form of Universal Time – in other words, time based directly on observations of space. Variations on Universal Time are expressed with a digit following the UT, such as UT0 and UT1. The Nuts and Bolts of Technical TimeĪ side benefit of the above is the even further shortened acronym: UT, which stands for Universal Time. As a compromise, UTC was decided upon as the official acronym for the term (oh, the concessions made to the French). Firstly, when UTC was first introduced, it was widely used both in English and French – which led to two popular acronyms: CUT for Coordinated Universal Time, and TUC for temps universel coordonné. But, wait, UT1? What is that? And UTC? Why doesn’t the acronym match up with the term? Why is it Abbreviated as UTC?
As expected, it’s the global time standard by which timing centers all around the world base their own time, and it aims to be so accurate so as to limit differences with UT1. That acronym stands for Coordinated Universal Time, or Universal Coordinated Time, and its title does a pretty good job of giving you an idea of what it does. Have you ever talked to a friend abroad, and asked: “what time is it over there?” before heading online and checking it out for yourself? If you have, you might remember that, say, if your friend was in New York City, beside the current time online was an acronym: UTC-5 (UTC-4 with Daylight Saving Time).
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