New Atlas

Ion clock has accuracy that outlives the universe

In this case, the new clock uses an ion of aluminum linked to an ion of magnesium, forming what is known as a quantum logic clock. In this, the aluminum ion has a high-frequency, stable "tick." Unfortunately, this tick can't be read directly by a laser beam as with a cesium atom, so while the clock is extremely accurate, it keeps the time a secret known only to its quantum self. To get around ...

'Failure of leadership:' Doomsday Clock head explains current setting

USA TODAY asked Alexandra Bell, the president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a few questions about the Doomsday Clock.