Re: Metric Time (was Re: Why not 13 months? (Was La Systeme Metrique))

Richard Ottolini (stgprao@seismic.sugarland.unocal.COM)
3 Oct 1995 12:55:29 GMT

1) Time measurement is based on the correlation of semi-periodic phenomena-
biological, astronomical, atomic, etc.

2) Each one of thes phenomena has imperfections.

3) There is a trade-off in time scales convenient for humans verus
scientific precision.

4) If you are going to stick with astronomy, one might as well use some
galactic cycle to avoid earth chauvanism.

5) An absolute measure of duration can be derived from fundamental physical
constants such as Planck's unit of action and the speed of light. This very
small unit is called Planck time.

6) One could define a Planck second or Planck day in some multiple of Planck time-
either a decimal power for us ten-fingered humans, or a power of two for the
computational world. That way the Planck second would be convenient for humans and
absolutely precise for science.