This time New Year will be delayed by one extra second. Leap second to the added to 2008 to synchronize atomic clock with the delay in Earth's rotation.

The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), who is responsible for maintaining global time and reference frame standards has decided to add a leap second in 2008 to keep atomic clocks synchronized with the rotation of the earth.

Many factors affect Earth's rotational speed including gravity of Moon. So far 23 leap seconds added since 1971.

Actually it is needed to add one extra second every 18 months, but Earth's rotation is not predictable in the long term as many factors affect the rotational speed. Last time leap second was added at the end of 2005.

But 2008 leap second addition is going to be special because it is a "leap year with a leap second". So 2008 going to be one of the lengthiest year in the history !