Doomsday Clock FAQ: 30 Most Common Questions Answered
Your comprehensive guide to every common question about the Doomsday Clock — from what it is and who controls it to what happens at midnight and whether it can go backward.
What is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock is a symbol that represents how close humanity is to catastrophic destruction, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists since 1947.
What time is the Doomsday Clock set to?
As of 2026, the Doomsday Clock is set at 85 seconds to midnight — the closest it has ever been.