what is a doom clock?

Answer 1

You're probably referring to the doomsday clock, the time left or likelihood before humanity commits global suicide. Noted scientists rate the likelihood of nuclear holocaust, based on the world-wide tensions and conflicts in the world. It's ranged from over 20 minutes to midnite to just a few minutes. I believe it currently stands at 7 minutes to midnite.... The likelihood of global suicide is close....

It's just a way of warning the world to straighten up or else.

Answer 2

Do you mean the doomsday clock? If so this is not a real clock it is basically a symbol of the threat of nuclear war. It is generally set anywhere somewhere between 11:50 and 12 midnight. As the threat of somebody or country using a nuclear device increases, they move the time closer to midnight. Midnight is considered to be the time of an actual attack. The further from midnight the clock is set, the less likely the world is on the brink of nuclear war.

Answer 3

You mean the "doomsday clock". It is a symbolic representation done by the a group of scientist on the likelihood of a nuclear confrontation/exchange or midnight.

The "Wiki" entry gives the orgins of the device (created in 1947) and the entries etc....

Answer 4

It's a metaphor -- how close (as in counting down) until doom.

The most famous started in the late 1940s, counting down the figurative minutes until nuclear catclysm.