What is a "Leap Second" and why do we need them?
Quick Answer: A leap second is an extra second added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to keep our clocks in sync with Earth’s slowing rotation. Without them, our civil time would slowly drift away from solar time, causing misalignment between clocks and the position of the sun.
Earth’s rotation isn't perfectly steady. It gradually slows down due to factors like tidal friction. Over time, this small change adds up, making a day slightly longer than the 86,400 seconds on our clocks.
To fix this, scientists add a leap second occasionally, usually on June 30 or December 31. This keeps UTC aligned with the actual solar day, ensuring that noon on the clock stays close to when the sun is highest in the sky.