UTC
Coordinated Universal Time
PT
Pacific Time
CE
Central European Time
Local
Locale Time
Time Standard
UTC is a time standard, not a time zone. Unlike time zones, which vary based on geographical location and can be subject to daylight saving time adjustments, UTC remains constant. It provides a uniform reference for time across the globe, making it indispensable for international timekeeping, especially in fields like aviation, computing, and telecommunications.
The concept of Coordinated Universal Time was formalized in 1960. It was designed to provide a more precise and stable timekeeping system than its predecessor, GMT. While GMT was based solely on the Earth's rotation and celestial observations, UTC introduced the use of highly precise atomic clocks. These atomic clocks measure time based on the vibrations of cesium atoms, providing an extremely stable and consistent time standard.
However, Earth's rotation is not as consistent as atomic timekeeping. It can be influenced by various factors like the moon's gravitational pull and geological events, leading to slight variations in the length of a day. To account for these irregularities and maintain alignment with mean solar time, UTC occasionally undergoes adjustments through the addition of leap seconds. This ensures that the difference between UTC and mean solar time never exceeds 0.9 seconds.
FAQ
UTC, or Coordinated Universal Time, is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is effectively a successor to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Current time is 6:50 AM UTC
Prior to 1972, the time designation was Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), but it is currently known as Coordinated Universal Time or Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). This precise time standard is managed by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) and is alternatively referred to as "Z time" or "Zulu Time."