Ancient Proton Calendar prophesies End of World in 2038

2026-04-14 23:14 UTC

TIL that all some UNIX based systems have a Y2K38 superbug in which the number of seconds that have elapsed since the Unix epoch began (Jan 1, 1970) are stored as a signed 32-bit integer which maxes out on March 14, 2038. I suppose Proton Calendar is just using a generically premature cutoff because reasons. Unfortunately experts report no known solution to this problem and we will very likely be without computers after this date. Edit: The recent discovery of signed 64-bit integers (as published in PNAS) will now allow us to kick the can down the street an additional 292 billion years until overflow. Unfortunately, this only delays this apocalyptic problem for a mere 21 times the age of the universe.

Replies (6)

@A_Random_Idiot@lemmy.world 2026-04-15 11:08

Can we change the integer to an 8bit one, so we can get the apocalypse over with already? I'm tired of being doomedged.

Open ##1162554
@TransNeko@lemmy.world 2026-04-15 08:57

Sorry but I am unavailable for the event "End of the World" on January 1st, 2028. I am however free anytime in the next year. lets light this roman candle already.

Open ##1162555
@snoons@lemmy.ca 2026-04-15 06:36

Goddamit. I was about to think about starting to learn how to become immortal and save the universe from it's entropic demise but it's pointless now.

Open ##1162556
@The_Hideous_Orgalorg@sh.itjust.works 2026-04-14 23:21

Better get working on an alternative. Don't want to run out of time.

Open ##1162557
@nymnympseudonym@piefed.social 2026-04-15 10:45

Seriously though the problem is the hundreds of millions of embedded devices that never get updated and people forget they even exist until they stop working. In 1999 I spent 2 months prepping a major enterprise system for Y2K. It was easy because it was centralized. But to replace every embedded controller in traffic light and train junction and ... ... yeah better start *now*

Open ##1162558
@qualia@lemmy.world 2026-04-15 02:58

I hear you. Although since the 32-bit integer is *signed* we do need both binary charges to be distinct. So I reckon they're calling themselves Proton in the sense of what cool kids call a hydrogen atom. Germanium and gadolinium each have atomic numbers of 32 and 64, however neither of them can exist as +1 or -1 ions so I have no fucking idea why they chose 32-bits if they're called a damn Proton. They likely know something quantitative about gluons or dark matter that they're not sharing yet. #️⃣ 💩📨

Open ##1162559