Coordinated Universal Time

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from UTC)

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is within about 1 second of mean solar time at 0° longitude, and is not adjusted for daylight saving time. It is effectively a successor to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Coordinated Universal Time is a time standard that is used to keep time regulated and consistent across the world. It is based on International Atomic Time, with leap seconds added at irregular intervals to compensate for Earth's slowing rotation. Leap seconds are used to allow UTC to closely track Universal Time (UT1), which is a time standard based on the Earth's rotation.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of Coordinated Universal Time was first introduced in 1961 by the International Radio Consultative Committee. It was formalized in 1967 by the International Astronomical Union, and the system has been adjusted several times since then to increase its accuracy and reliability.

Usage[edit | edit source]

UTC is used in many internet and World Wide Web standards. The Network Time Protocol (NTP), used to synchronize computer clocks, is based on UTC. UTC is also used in aviation, computing, navigation, weather forecasting, and many other fields.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Coordinated Universal Time Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD