Scientist issues warning the shortest day in history will

Earth’s Rotation Is Speeding Up

Astrophysicist Graham Jones from the University of London warns that Earth is unexpectedly spinning faster, possibly leading to the shortest day in recorded history. While the planet typically completes 365 rotations per year, this number has varied in the past due to natural factors. Jones predicts Earth’s rotation might speed up on July 9, July 22, or August 5, potentially shortening the day by 1.30, 1.38, or 1.51 milliseconds.

Unexplained Acceleration

The sudden acceleration is puzzling scientists. While things like shifting sea levels, internal Earth movements, or the Moon’s distance can affect rotation, this spike in speed doesn’t match known patterns. Leonid Zotov of Moscow State University stated, “Nobody expected this. The cause of this acceleration is not explained,” adding, “Ocean and atmospheric models don’t explain this huge acceleration.”

Natural Disasters Can Influence Spin

Past events show natural disasters can affect Earth’s spin. The 2011 Japan earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 event, shifted Earth’s axis by 17 cm and possibly moved Japan’s main island by 2.4 meters. Dr. Richard Gross of NASA explained, “Earthquakes can change the Earth’s rotation by rearranging the Earth’s mass,” similar to how “a spinning ice skater… moves her arms closer to her body” to spin faster.

Should We Worry?

Though the time shift is tiny, it may disrupt GPS systems and timekeeping. Researchers don’t know why the Earth’s rotation is changing, but they believe it may eventually slow again. Still, the unpredictability remains. “Most scientists believe it is something inside the Earth,” Zotov emphasized.