Institute of Physics: Calendars, Cultures and Clocks

This talk explores how humanity has measured and organised time across different eras and cultures. It traces the story from early observations of the Sun, Moon and stars through to the calendars and timekeeping systems used around the world today, showing how astronomy, tradition, religion and politics have all influenced the way we understand hours, days, months and years.

The session ranges widely across ancient Greece and Rome, the Celtic and Germanic worlds, and civilisations including the Aztecs, Chinese, Hindus, Jews and Muslims. It then brings the discussion up to the modern Gregorian calendar, leap seconds and contemporary timekeeping, highlighting how our current system emerged through centuries of ingenuity, compromise and change.

The event is hosted by the Institute of Physics and features speaker James Fradgley, MInstP. It takes place in person at Sarum College in Salisbury and includes venue facilities such as wheelchair access, free parking, and tea and coffee from 19:00.