In the U.S., a new atomic clock called NIST-F4 has already proven to be one of the most precise timekeepers yet.

In atomic clocks, an atom’s electrons are pinged with electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies. Bursts of energy excite the electrons, pushing them into a higher orbit around the atom.

The atomic clock is an optical lattice that controls strontium atoms. Photo: K. Palubicki/NIST New clock just dropped, but it’ll only drop a second every 30 billion years while in operation.

So, if you own a grandfather clock, wall clock or have a digital or analog clock on your nightstand without that technology, you’ll have to remember to adjust it on March 9.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announces the latest decision on the "Doomsday Clock" minute hand, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at the National Press Club Broadcast Center, in Washington.