NIST Timing Facility Recovers from Power Outage, Maintains 5 Microsecond Accuracy
By
jtokoph
Slow-proofed and worth the wait. Worth its weight in flour.
Summary
NIST's Boulder facility experienced a power outage lasting multiple days after a backup generator failure, causing their main ensemble clock to lose synchronization with UTC. Despite the disruption, NIST's NTP timing servers maintained accuracy within 5 microseconds, which is significant for scientific and academic users who rely on NIST's precise timing signals but not critical for general users.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledIf you were 5 microseconds late today, blame it on NIST.
Their facility in Boulder Colorado just had its power cut for multiple days. After a backup generator failed, their main ensemble clock lost track of UTC, or Universal Time Coordinated.
But even if you used the NTP timing servers they run, they were never off by more than 5 microseconds.
5 μs might seem insignificant. But it is significant for scientists and universities who rely on NIST's more specialized timing signals.
You might also wanna read
NIST Boulder Atomic Time Scale Fails Due to Power Outage, Internet Time Services Affected
NIST's Boulder campus has experienced a prolonged utility power outage due to high wind gusts and wildfire prevention measures, causing the
lists.nanog.org·5mo ago
NIST Gaithersburg Atomic Clock Failure Causes -10ms Time Step on Internet Time Servers
On December 6, 2025, the primary atomic time source (a cesium beam atomic clock) at NIST's Gaithersburg campus failed, causing a -10 millise
groups.google.com·5mo ago
Understanding Leap Seconds: How Timekeeping Adjusts for Earth's Rotation
The article discusses the history and technical aspects of leap seconds in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), explaining how they are used to
Nuclear Microreactors: Small-Scale Power for Towns and Campuses Face Public Trust Challenges
The article explores the potential of nuclear microreactors - small-scale nuclear power plants that could power entire towns or campuses whi
theconversation.com·8mo ago
Google's Debug program seeks EPA permit to release 64 million modified mosquitoes in California and Florida
Google's Debug program plans to release up to 64 million genetically modified "good" mosquitoes in California and Florida over two years to
bit.ly·8h ago
AI-powered charging systems could extend EV battery life by up to 23%, researchers say
Researchers have developed AI-powered charging systems that could extend electric vehicle (EV) battery life by up to 23%. The technology opt
bgr.com·9h ago