Dictionary term
International Atomic Time
Direct answer
International Atomic Time: International Atomic Time, or TAI, is a continuous atomic time scale computed by the BIPM from clocks maintained by timing laboratories worldwide.
TAI is the international continuous atomic time scale maintained from an ensemble of clocks.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Also appears in
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use International Atomic Time when explaining atomic continuity, leap-second offsets, and relationships among modern time scales.
- Do not use it for
- Do not call TAI a civil time zone; it has no daylight-saving or local-date rules.
- Reference category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Related terms
- Terrestrial Time, UT1, Calendar, Julian Date
The story behind International Atomic Time
International clock comparisons and atomic standards enabled TAI to replace astronomical rotation as the most stable duration reference.
International Atomic Time in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, TAI reflects international cooperation in preserving a common measure of duration.
The Great Almanac frames International Atomic Time with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
International Atomic Time in the Bible
This is a factual calendar, astronomy, Earth-science, cultural-history, or observational reference. It can support wonder and practical planning without becoming a claim of fate, spiritual causation, or private revelation.
International Atomic Time in numerology
International Atomic Time is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why International Atomic Time matters
TAI provides a stable SI-second foundation for UTC, TT, navigation, telecommunications, and precision science.
Example in a reading: UTC differs from TAI by an integer number of accumulated leap seconds.
Interpretive caution: Do not call TAI a civil time zone; it has no daylight-saving or local-date rules.
How International Atomic Time is used in a reading
Use International Atomic Time when explaining atomic continuity, leap-second offsets, and relationships among modern time scales.
Where interpretation stops
International Atomic Time is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- BIPM SI Brochure Annex: Time - International metrology reference for the SI second, TAI, UTC, and Terrestrial Time.
- NIST: UTC(NIST) Time Scale - Official description of UTC realization, atomic time, and leap-second coordination.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Continue learning
Place this timekeeping idea beside the current sky, universal timing, and live celestial positions.
Open Worldwide WatchRelated terms
These related entries help place International Atomic Time inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
