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What Even Is Time? An Explainer

Our perception of time is changing constantly. Here’s why—and how to harness the power for good.

Amy Maoz

Lisez quand vous avez du temps devant vous.

Wondering where the time went? Or why it seems to be moving at a snail’s pace on this fine Thursday (er, Friday? December?) We’ve rounded up some of the top explanations and explorations of how time functions—and the brilliant and pesky things that distort it. From digital clocks to the internet, having fun to getting older, and well, a global pandemic. Take a minute (or an hour? Who’s counting?) and dive in.

Image by VICTOR DE SCHWANBERG/SPL/Getty Images

Now Means Nothing: How Time Works In Our Universe

Time depends on speed and mass, which means it’s not as consistent as we think.

‘Time Is Elastic’: Why Time Passes Faster Atop a Mountain Than at Sea Level

The idea of ‘absolute time’ is an illusion. Physics and subjective experience reveal why.

Cosmic Triangles Open a Window to the Origin of Time

A close look at fundamental symmetries has exposed hidden patterns in the universe. Physicists think that those same symmetries may also reveal time’s original secret.

What We Get Wrong About Time

Most of us tend to think of time as linear, absolute and constantly “running out”—but is that really true? And how can we change our perceptions to feel better about its passing?

Why Time Feels So Weird Right Now

March was 30 years long and April was 30 minutes long. What gives? We talked to a time philosopher to find out.

Physics Explains Why Time Passes Faster As You Age

Mind time cannot be measured on a watch.

Do We Still Need Doctor Who? Time Travel in the Internet Age

From HG Wells to the Doctor and beyond … how technology caught up with science fiction.

How Mindfulness Shifts Our Perception of Time

The passage of time seems to speed up as we get older—but research finds this unnerving phenomenon may be allayed by learning to more attentively savor all the familiar details of our lives.

How Mindfulness Shifts Our Perception of Time

The passage of time seems to speed up as we get older—but research finds this unnerving phenomenon may be allayed by learning to more attentively savor all the familiar details of our lives.

“7 Reasons Why You Need Analog Clocks”

Analog clocks are not outdated; they are powerful productivity tools for adults with ADHD who struggle with time blindness, deadlines, time estimation. Here’s how analog clocks help ADHD brains.

Bonus Activity: A Test of Time

Some days seem to pass very slowly while some weeks, and even months, fly by. A set of simple perception tests illustrate some factors that can distort our sense of time.