LOCAL

Trillion-Year Precision: University of Toronto Unveils World’s Most Accurate Atomic Clock

Published

11 months ago

November 25, 2025

Current News Room

Trillion-Year Precision: University of Toronto Unveils World's Most Accurate Atomic Clock — Source: This clock could run for 3 trillion years without slipping a second. Inside U of T’s atomic clock breakthrough

Key Takeaways

University of Toronto physicists have engineered a revolutionary atomic clock, setting a new benchmark for precision timekeeping.
This groundbreaking device is touted as potentially the most accurate clock on the planet.
Its unparalleled stability could allow it to operate for 3 trillion years without deviating by a single second.
The breakthrough promises significant advancements across various scientific and technological domains, from navigation to fundamental physics.

The Deep Dive

A dedicated team of physicists at the University of Toronto has achieved a monumental breakthrough in metrology, developing an atomic clock that redefines the very concept of precision. This innovative timepiece leverages the incredibly stable quantum properties of atoms to measure time with an accuracy previously thought unattainable. Unlike traditional clocks, which rely on mechanical or electrical oscillators, atomic clocks use the exact frequency of electromagnetic signals that atoms emit or absorb when transitioning between energy states, providing an extremely consistent ‘tick.’The researchers claim their creation could maintain perfect time for an astonishing 3 trillion years without losing or gaining even one second. This level of stability far surpasses existing atomic clocks, which are already the world’s most accurate timekeepers. The engineering challenge involved in isolating the atomic transitions from environmental interference and precisely measuring them is immense, requiring cutting-edge laser technology and quantum manipulation techniques to achieve such extraordinary consistency.

Why It Matters

The development of such an incredibly precise atomic clock holds profound implications across numerous fields. Improved timekeeping accuracy directly enhances the performance of satellite navigation systems like GPS, enabling more precise location tracking and guidance for everything from autonomous vehicles to air traffic control. It also forms the backbone of modern telecommunications, ensuring synchronized data transmission across global networks. Scientifically, this new clock opens unprecedented opportunities for testing fundamental theories of physics, such as Einstein’s theory of general relativity, with greater rigor. It could also contribute to the search for dark matter, the detection of gravitational waves, and potentially lead to a redefinition of the international standard for the second, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technological capability.

LOCAL

Where Provincial Jobless Rates Stood in September

Canada’s national unemployment rate reached 6.5 per cent in September. Explore the full provincial breakdown and regional employment figures from Statistics Canada.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

National and Provincial Jobless Figures

Canada recorded a national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Oct. 9, 2026.

Across Western Canada, British Columbia’s jobless rate shifted to 6.4 per cent from 6.5 per cent in August. Alberta recorded a rate of 6.4 per cent, down from 6.8 per cent the previous month, while Saskatchewan dropped to 5.4 per cent from 6.0 per cent. Manitoba’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0 per cent.

In Central Canada, Ontario’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.0 per cent from 6.9 per cent in August, while Quebec’s rate reached 6.0 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent.

Atlantic Canada and Regional City Data

In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest provincial figure at 9.1 per cent, up from 8.6 per cent in August. New Brunswick saw a minor increase to 7.4 per cent from 7.3 per cent, and Nova Scotia rose to 6.3 per cent from 6.1 per cent. Prince Edward Island experienced a decline, moving to 7.3 per cent from 7.9 per cent.

Statistics Canada also tracked seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average rates for major urban areas. However, the agency cautioned that these municipal figures are subject to wide fluctuations due to smaller statistical sample sizes.

LOCAL

Who Is Running in Your Riding for the 2026 BC Election?

Check the full list of official candidates who have filed nomination papers for Kamloops, Fraser-Nicola, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Salmon Arm-Shuswap ridings.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

Candidates Confirmed Across Five Regional Ridings

Nomination papers have been officially submitted by individuals seeking election as local Members of the Legislative Assembly in the upcoming 2026 BC election.

In Kamloops Centre, voters will see a five-candidate field consisting of incumbent Peter Milobar for the BC Conservatives, Annelise Beach representing the BC Greens, Rocky McAfee for OneBC, Thaelo Proctor running as an Independent, and Mike Wisla representing the BC NDP.

To the north, the Kamloops-North Thompson constituency features incumbent Ward Stamer of the BC Conservatives, alongside Kory Clark running for the BC NDP and Deborah Friesen for OneBC.

Contests Set for Fraser-Nicola, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Salmon Arm-Shuswap

In the Fraser-Nicola riding, incumbent Conservative Tony Luck faces challenges from Jason Leboe of the BC NDP and Patrick Mitchell of the BC Greens.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin ballot includes incumbent Lorne Doerkson running for the BC Conservatives, Kathryn Askew representing the BC NDP, and Douglas Gook representing the BC Greens.

Meanwhile, five candidates are contesting the Salmon Arm-Shuswap riding. Incumbent David Williams represents the BC Conservatives, joined on the ballot by Gloria Morgan for the BC NDP, Barbara Presch for OneBC, Denise Reimer for CentreBC, and Jed Wiebe for the BC Greens.

COMMUNITY

How Central Okanagan Residents Can Avoid Costly Household Plumbing Damage This Thanksgiving

RDCO warns Central Okanagan residents to dispose of Thanksgiving cooking fats in the garbage to avoid costly sewer blockages and plumbing damage.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

Preventing Sewer Overflows During Holiday Gatherings

As Central Okanagan families come together for Thanksgiving between Oct. 10 and Oct. 12, regional officials are offering guidance to keep home plumbing systems safe. Disposing of fats, oils and cooking grease improperly remains the primary reason sewer lines block and overflow throughout the community.

Kit Caufield, Manager of Engineering Services for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), explained that grease accumulation inside pipe infrastructure restricts wastewater flow over time. Caufield noted that “Over time, grease builds up inside pipes, restricting wastewater flow and creating problems not only for homeowners, but across the entire sewer system. These blockages can damage household plumbing, result in costly repairs and interfere with critical wastewater infrastructure, including sewer lift stations,”

Proper Waste Disposal Guidelines

To prevent damage to both private plumbing and public infrastructure like sewer lift stations, the RDCO recommends catching leftover food particles using a drain basket or strainer. Residents should pour warm cooking fats into a covered tin container, which can be lined with a cooking bag if intended for reuse. After the grease cools and hardens, the container should be sealed and discarded in the trash.

Additionally, fatty foods such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other sauces must be thrown into the garbage rather than rinsed down sinks. For larger quantities of used cooking oil, individuals can take up to two 20-litre pails to the Glenmore Landfill for recycling, though commercial amounts are prohibited. Further details can be found on the RDCO website.