Strontium-87: Future of Time episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 6 MIN

Strontium-87: Future of Time

from Intellectually Curious · host Mike Breault

We explore the leap from cesium-based microwave clocks to optical lattice clocks that use strontium-87. With thousands of atoms trapped in a laser 'egg carton' and a turquoise 497 nm magic wavelength, these clocks reach 10^-18 precision, turning time into a sensor. Discover how relativistic geodesy maps gravity, enables new navigation for deep space, and helps bridge quantum mechanics and general relativity—paving the way for a multi-species redefinition of the SI second.Note:  This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes.  Please double-check any critical information.Sponsored by Embersilk LLC

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 27, 2026

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Strontium-87: Future of Time

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