Scientists have warned that Earth’s rotation is accelerating unexpectedly, leading to a record-breaking shortest day in just weeks. According to astrophysicist Graham Jones of the University of London, one of three possible dates – July 9, July 22, or August 5 – could see time drop by up to 1.51 milliseconds.
This change may seem minor, but it can affect satellite systems, GPS accuracy, and even how we measure time itself. Researchers are studying the cause of this acceleration, which is not fully understood, and are looking at factors such as Earth’s core activity, ocean currents, and wind patterns.
The accelerated rotation was first noticed in 2020, when Earth began spinning slightly faster than usual. Since then, the planet has broken records for its shortest day, with a recent record set on July 5, 2024, when it spun 1.66 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours.
The effects of this acceleration are significant, as GPS and phone networks rely on split-second accuracy. Experts may need to adjust their timekeeping systems in response to the changing rotation rate. While scientists expect Earth’s rotation to slow down over time, the current trend is unexpected and warrants further study.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14865933/Scientist-warns-shortest-day-history-Earths-rotation-speeds-up.html