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Redefining the Kilogram
This is quite interesting. The international standard, Le Grande K, stored in France, has been changing. It's suspected that outgassing is to blame, so they're working on a new standard. The interesting part is the constant 'develop a new/better way of doing things, find something that you didn't expect that you now have to take in to account.'
They're trying to make a silicon sphere that would become the new international definition, but they're having production problems. They brought in a lens grinder who built a ball with such precision that if it were the size of the earth, reportedly, the difference between the tallest mountain and deepest ocean would be four meters. And it still isn't good enough. Plus, the guy has retired and has no apprentices as good as him, but they think that new tech will make a better sandblaster that will help production.
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/ff_kilogram/all/1
They're trying to make a silicon sphere that would become the new international definition, but they're having production problems. They brought in a lens grinder who built a ball with such precision that if it were the size of the earth, reportedly, the difference between the tallest mountain and deepest ocean would be four meters. And it still isn't good enough. Plus, the guy has retired and has no apprentices as good as him, but they think that new tech will make a better sandblaster that will help production.
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/ff_kilogram/all/1