If you’re already beginning to miss the year 2008, there is some good news for you. Scientists and timekeepers around the world will insert an extra “leap second” at 11:59:60 pm as you countdown to welcome the new year.
Leap seconds are necessary because time is measured using stable atomic clocks, whereas the rotation of Earth slows down continually, requiring an adjustment every few years. The last leap second was added in the year 2005.
So don’t forget to stop your watch for 1 second at 11:59:59 pm.