If you’re intrigued by science & techie stuff — weather, electromagnetism, atomic clocks, and the like — then This Tour’s for You!

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly known as the National Bureau of Standards) offers public, guided tours lasting about 2 hours on Thursdays at 1 PM (except for federal holidays). *

Learn about:
Lasers, optical fibers, superconducting integrated circuits, atomic clocks, cryogenics, electromagnetic interference, telecommunications technology

Most importantly, perhaps you can find the answers to questions that have surely haunted you:

Why do we need leap seconds?
What is the origin of hours, minutes and seconds?
What is the law on time zones?

I know I’ve always wanted to understand these things better.  I certainly don’t want to get a ticket for illegal use of time zones.

Tours begin in the lobby of Building 1 (the building with the flagpole in front).  Visitors see a cryogenics demonstration and the atomic clock.  Tours are free, but U.S. citizens must make reservations at least one week in advance; foreign visitors must register two weeks in advance.  Reservations may be made by calling (303) 497-5507.   No self-guided tours are allowed.  *

* IMPORTANT UPDATE (posted January 23, 2009):

NIST Boulder will resume public tours in the coming weeks.  Those wishing to take a tour must contact James Burrus (303-497-4789; jburrus@boulder.nist.gov) to make an appointment and the required security arrangements.

For more information about the status of tours, security requirements and schedules, please visit http://www.boulder.nist.gov/tours.htm