Will Common Era Become Atomic Century after the End of the Common Era?

The concept of dating systems is a fascinating aspect of our history and culture. The Common Era (CE) is one of the most widely used dating systems globally, but what happens after the end of this era? Will the Atomic Era (or Atomic Century, ACE) replace it, or will we continue to use the CE system? This article explores the possible transition and the challenges involved.

Understanding the Common Era (CE)

The Common Era dating system, also known as the Anno Domini (AD) system, is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. It has been widely used since the 9th century, replacing older calendars such as the Athenian calendar. The CE system has survived for over a millennium, becoming deeply ingrained in our cultural and historical references.

The Challenges of Transitioning

Switching from one dating system to another is not as simple as changing a few numbers in a calendar. There would need to be a significant event that marks the end of the Common Era and the beginning of a new one. However, there has not been an event on par with the birth of Jesus that could serve as a global rallying point for such a transition.

Scientific and Technological Milestones

Many future-oriented societies might adopt alternative dating systems. For instance, some science fiction authors and futurists have proposed calendars based on scientific milestones:

Ante Diaspora (AD): This system is used in scenarios where humanity has made significant advances in space exploration, and large-scale colonization efforts have begun beyond Earth. This term would mark the period before the great departure from Earth for interstellar travel. Anteium (AI): Similar to the Ante Diaspora, this term is used when humanity is preparing for the development and deployment of nuclear energy. Atomic Era (AE): This term might be used to mark a period following a significant development in atomic energy. However, its practicality as a broad dating system is limited, as it does not provide a clear narrative for visitors unfamiliar with the history it describes.

Multiplex Dating Systems

Some societies might adopt multiple dating systems simultaneously to cater to different needs. For example, an interstellar calendar could use terms like 'Ante Diaspora' to mark the period before large-scale colonization, while local calendars on a specific planet might date from the first landing or significant discovery. This multiplex approach can be useful in highly diverse or multipolar societies where various groups have their own significant dates.

Converting Between Systems

Another challenge in transitioning between systems is the conversion process. Historical records and documents would need to be updated, and people would need to learn the new terminology. This is particularly challenging in regions where the CE system is deeply embedded in religious, cultural, and everyday life.

Rationale and Markers

The phrase 'After Common Era' (ACE) does not provide a clear marker, making it difficult to establish and maintain consistency. For the transition to be successful, the new system would need to offer clear and significant markers that are easy to understand and universally recognized. The atomic era might provide a compelling marker, but it would need to be clearly defined and culturally relevant.

Conclusion

Despite the possibilities suggested by science fiction and futurists, the transition from the Common Era to an Atomic Century (ACE) is highly unlikely. The challenges of finding a significant event, establishing clear markers, and converting existing records and terminology make the transition a daunting task. However, the concept remains an intriguing thought experiment for those interested in alternative historical timelines and future scenarios.

Keywords: Common Era, Atomic Era, CE, ACE, Dating System