ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Time and Frequency Standards Laboratory

A time and frequency standards laboratory is a special place where scientists use very big and fancy tools to measure how long a second is and how many times something happens in that second. This is important because it helps us all know exactly what time it is, even if we are very far away from each other.

To make sure that they get the right measurement, scientists use something called an atomic clock, which is a very special clock that keeps time by counting the vibrations of atoms. These atoms vibrate very, very fast and always at the exact same speed, which means that the atomic clock can help us measure time very accurately.

Scientists in the time and frequency standards laboratory also work hard to make sure that everyone gets the same measurement of time, no matter where they are in the world. This is important for things like satellite navigation systems and for making sure that planes, trains, and buses all run on time.

Overall, the time and frequency standards laboratory is a really important place that helps us all stay on the same time schedule and know exactly what time it is, no matter where we are in the world.