What is the Atomic Clock? how it will work
What is the Atomic Clock? From the depths of the ocean to the heights of space, Indian scientists are making their presence felt everywhere. At this time, Indian scientists have achieved a remarkable feat and given India its own time standard.
Currently, India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), but the most accurate timekeeping is determined by GPS satellites. These satellites claim millisecond accuracy and are synchronized with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
But that is set to change in the next few months. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) will soon be linked to the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
NPL, located in Faridabad, will receive timing data from the Navigator and transmit it through optical fiber links to four other centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati. Atomic clocks will be installed at these centres.
The use of atomic clocks will ensure that digital watches, smartphones, and laptops display time synchronized with highly accurate timekeepers, rather than relying on GPS data from service providers. Soon, regional centers equipped with atomic clocks will broadcast this accurate time to these users, implementing the ‘one nation, one time’ system.
It is worth mentioning that the need for an indigenous time system was acutely felt during the Kargil war. India’s dependence on time data from foreign satellites has hampered its ability to accurately target its enemies. Recognizing the strategic importance of self-reliance in this area, the government initiated this project about seven years ago.
What is an atomic clock?
An atomic clock is a highly accurate time-keeping device that uses specific resonance frequencies of atoms to maintain accuracy. The clock’s remarkable accuracy is evident in its ability to run for about 100 million years before drifting by one second.
Project benefits:
According to the report, former Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said, “This initiative will establish India’s own accurate and reliable time distribution network. It will reduce dependence on foreign systems and strengthen national security. It will improve the power grid, telecommunications, and other sectors. It will benefit sectors like banking, defense, and transportation.
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