On January 17th, The Board of Directors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists will move the minute hand. This will mark the first change to the clock since 2002.The decision is based on “growing concerns about a “Second Nuclear Age” marked by grave threats, including: nuclear ambitions in Iran and North Korea, unsecured nuclear materials in Russia and elsewhere, the continuing “launch-ready” status of 2,000 of the 25,000 nuclear weapons held by the U.S. and Russia, escalating terrorism, and new pressure from climate change for expanded civilian nuclear power that could increase proliferation risks.”

The Bulletin will hold a simultaneous event in London and in Washngton D.C. to mark the occasion. Speakers at the event will be

- Stephen Hawking, professor of mathematics at the University of
Cambridge, and a fellow of The Royal Society;

- Kennette Benedict, executive director, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists;

- Sir Martin Rees, president of The Royal Society, and professor of
cosmology and astrophysics and master of Trinity College at the
University of Cambridge;

- Lawrence M. Krauss, professor of physics and astronomy at Case Western
Reserve University; and

- Ambassador Thomas Pickering, a BAS director and co-chair of the
International Crisis Group.

You will be able to view the event via a live satellite feed at 9.30 am ET.

For more history on the Doomsday Clock, click here.