Research by scientists has revealed that the Earth rotates faster than normal and the days become shorter than normal. According to the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), the Earth has been spinning faster than ever before in the last 50 years. It reached a record level on June 29, 2022, completing a lap in 1.59 milliseconds less than 24 hours. In other words, it has been recorded that the Earth has reached its fastest rotation speed ever.
Earth’s rotational speed has been measured by scientists since 1973. This measurement is made to determine the time it takes for the Earth to complete its rotation around its axis. Thanks to the measurements, there is a generally accepted standard that cycles every 24 hours. But the world never fully complies with these standards. With the Gregorian Calendar, which has been used since the 16th century, the time system is considered global. But some scientists think that this calendar can be updated.
Effects of Earth’s Rapid Rotation
Scientists say that the effects of the Earth moving faster can have an impact on how we feel time. It is not known exactly what affects the rotation speed. The change in speed; It is predicted that it will have a negative impact on all navigation systems, smartphones, computers and communication systems in the world.
If the Earth’s rotation speed reaches 1 kilometer per hour; Since the polar waters will go to the Equator, the sea level around the Equator will rise by a few centimeters. At the same time, satellite communications and television broadcasting will be temporarily interrupted, as the satellites around the Earth will not be able to stay in suitable positions. It is thought that with the increase in the rotation speed of the Earth, it will have negative effects on the body as the days will get shorter.
Why Earth Rotates Faster
There is no conclusive evidence as to why the Earth rotates faster. But there are some theories put forward by scientists. Some of those; Weight loss at the poles due to the melting of glaciers, ocean tides as a result of seismic activities, and the gravitational force of the moon. It is also because the earth is not perfectly spherical, a small deviation in the axis of rotation will cause it.
Regarding the increase in the rotation speed of the earth; “We don’t know why the Earth’s rotation is accelerating,” said Christian Bizouard of the International Astronomical Union. We have only a hypothesis about the cause. We assume that the cause is internal and lies in the motion of the Earth’s core.” made in the statements. Bizouard’s explanations are that the change in Earth’s rotation could have an effect on the atomic clocks used in GPS satellites, which would need to be synchronized with lost seconds. Bizouard stated that if the acceleration trend continues, a negative leap second will be required to stabilize the clocks. However, IERS has declared that there is no need for such an adjustment at this time.
