E: /stoned

    • BastingChemina@slrpnk.net
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      8 hours ago

      It was defined as

      one ten-millionth of the shortest distance from the North Pole to the equator passing through Paris.

      The stick of metal in Paris is just so people don’t have to do measure the distance between the north pole and the equator each time they want to check their measuring tool.

    • Björn Tantau@swg-empire.de
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      20 hours ago

      They redefined it a few years ago to base all units on some objectively measurable natural constant. Because that stick of metal might still decay or warp or something and you don’t always want to travel to France when you want to know the length of a meter. Much easier to measure the atoms and light you have on hand.

      • Natanael@infosec.pub
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        12 hours ago

        Updating the kilogram standard took them forever because you need really reliable force measurement instruments and very precise calibration