Evolution of Timekeeping Devices | 07 Aug 2024
Why in News?
Recently, researchers have made significant developments in nuclear clocks by developing a laser for thorium-229 nuclei stimulation and linking it with an optical clock.
- The world has evolved from keeping time with the Sun and the moon to atoms and their nuclei.
How Timekeeping Devices Evolved Over History?
- Historical Timekeeping Devices:
- Sundials: Ancient devices that indicated time by casting shadows from sunlight.
- Water Clocks: Measured time through the gradual filling of a vessel with water.
- Hourglasses: Used sand instead of water to measure time.
- Development of Mechanical Clocks:
- Early Mechanical Clocks: Improved water clocks included additional tanks, gears, and pulleys.
- Astrarium (Medieval Astronomical Clock): A sophisticated instrument to track celestial movements.
- Pendulum Clock: Spring-driven clocks replaced weights with coiled springs.
- Modern Clocks:
- Electric Clocks: Emerged in the 19th century, using batteries or electric motors instead of springs or weights.
- Quartz Clocks: Use a quartz crystal that oscillates when electrically charged. These clocks are affordable and widespread, leading to the popularity of quartz watches and wall clocks.
- Atomic Clocks:
- Operation: Use lasers and atoms of the same isotope to measure time. The frequency of radiation emitted when atoms transition between energy states defines the time.
- India is setting up atomic clocks nationwide to make sure that the time on digital devices matches Indian Standard Time (IST), as part of the One-Nation, One-Time initiative.
- Caesium Atomic Clocks: Utilize caesium-133 atoms and are highly accurate, maintaining the IST.
- IST is a cesium atomic clock used at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi.
- Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL) maintains the IST.
- Next-Generation Optical Clocks: Use atoms like strontium or ytterbium to achieve even greater precision of time.
- Operation: Use lasers and atoms of the same isotope to measure time. The frequency of radiation emitted when atoms transition between energy states defines the time.
- Future Developments in Timekeeping:
- Nuclear Clocks: Focus on the nuclei of atoms for even higher precision. The emission frequency of these nuclear clocks is around 2,020 terahertz, indicating ultra-high precision.
How Clocks Evolved Over History In India?
- The development of clocks in Indian history reflects a rich blend of indigenous ingenuity and external influences.
- Ancient India utilised various timekeeping methods, such as water clocks (known as ghatika yantra) and sundials, which were used in temples and for daily activities.
- Ancient Indians tracked time using the stars and planetary positions (Nakshatras) to accurately record significant events.
- Timekeeping linked to planetary positions led to the development of astrology and exploring the influence of planets on human life.
- Despite the advanced system, daily time was often measured in hours or pahars, and simple clock towers were sufficient for general public use.
- With the arrival of Islamic rulers, more advanced water clocks and astronomical instruments were introduced, blending with local traditions.
- The colonial period saw the introduction of mechanical clocks and pocket watches.