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Measures of time in astronomy.Astronomically-important measures of time are discussed with their definitions, their intended purposes, and areas of viability or obsolescence. Several different kinds of year are defined. Earth rotation time is described in terms of sidereal and solar time and in terms of universal time (UT) for which four different levels are defined corresponding to different approximations of 'uniform' time. The formal definition of ephemeris time, consisting of a defined rate and epoch, is discussed and some unorthodox criticisms are presented. Uses of broadcast time are noted. In the discussion of what measure of time should be used in astronomical applications, it is stated that, at present, all dynamical applications should use a measure of time based on atomic clock time.
Document ID
19720051448
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mulholland, J. D.
(McDonald Observatory Fort Davis, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
72A35114
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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