Get ready for a wild ride, folks, because our planet is putting the pedal to the metal.
Recent measurements have revealed that Earth’s rotation is speeding up, reaching record-breaking highs in 2020.
While the change might seem minuscule, with the shortest day ever recorded being just 1.59 milliseconds shorter than 24 hours, it’s enough to raise eyebrows and spark curiosity.
Is time moving faster now because the earth is spinning faster, or has our ability to pay attention at the moment faded?
Is The Earth Spinning Faster?
Earth is rotating on its axis faster than it has in a half-century — implying that each day on the planet is now shorter than 24 hours. Is this the first time the planet is spinning faster, or has it happened before?
2020 included 28 shortest days since 1960, and 2021 is predicted to be even shorter.
According to Time and Date, on average, concerning the Sun, Earth rotates once every 86,400 seconds, which equals 24 hours, or one mean solar day.
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) officially measures the length of a day.
To determine the actual length of a day, scientists at the IERS “determine the exact speed of the Earth’s rotation by measuring the precise moments a fixed star passes a certain location in the sky each day. This measurement is expressed as Universal Time (UT1), a type of solar time”.
This UT1 is then compared to the International Atomic Time (TAI) — an exact time scale that combines the output of some 200 atomic clocks maintained in laboratories worldwide.
The length of a day is revealed by the deviation of UT1 from TAI over 24 hours. – Source
Not only is the Earth spinning faster, but the speed-up rate is also getting faster.
This isn’t an issue because of time, but because the Earth isn’t solid and the crust is relatively thin. The speedup is probably, related to the current ongoing magnetic pole excursions (MPE), which are also speeding up.
If it continues, two problems may occur.
Charles H. Hapgood wrote a paper in the 1950s outlining Earth’s Crust Displacement, in which he claims a catastrophic shift of the earth’s lithosphere (crust) around 10,000 BC.
Not proven, but neither was continental drift until recently.
The two theories are related, but Hapgood claims there are times when things happen more dramatically. Incidentally, the movie 2012 was based on Hapgood’s theory.
A worsening MPE situation would likely weaken the Earth’s magnetosphere, letting in more space-based radiation, which isn’t good for several reasons. – Source
Proof Time is Moving Faster Lately – YouTube
Earth Is Speeding Up
In 2020 scientists made a shocking discovery. They found that, instead of slowing down, the Earth has started to spin faster.
It has been spinning faster than ever in the last 50 years. The shortest 28 days on record all occurred during 2020.
On June 29, 2022, The Guardian reported that the Earth had its shortest day since the 1960s when scientists began measuring the length of a day using high-precision atomic clocks.
It was the shortest day in the lives of most people on the planet, although nobody noticed it because it was only 1.59 milliseconds shorter than expected.
Some have suggested it could be due to the melting of glaciers during the 20th Century or the accumulation of large quantities of water in northern hemisphere reservoirs.
However, experts predict that this speeding up is a temporary effect, and the Earth will start slowing down again.
Planet Earth Why Does The Earth Spin – Book – Amazon Link.
What Happens If The Earth’s Rotations Speeds Up?
The consequences of Earth’s rotation speeding up would depend on the magnitude of the increase. Here are some potential scenarios for different speeds:
Small increase (up to a few percent):
- Shorter days: The most immediate effect would be shorter days. A day could be a few minutes shorter, which wouldn’t be noticeable in our daily lives.
- Changes in weather patterns: The faster rotation could affect wind and ocean currents, potentially leading to changes in weather patterns. For example, some regions might experience stronger winds or more frequent storms.
- Technological issues: Satellites and other orbiting objects rely on precise tracking of Earth’s rotation. A significant change could disrupt their operations.
Moderate increase (up to 50%):
- More dramatic changes in weather: The effects on weather patterns would be more pronounced, with potentially more extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.
- Increased centrifugal force: The faster rotation would create a stronger centrifugal force, which could cause objects at the equator to be pulled outwards. This could lead to sea level rise at the equator and land subsidence at the poles.
- Disruption of ecosystems: The changes in climate and weather could disrupt ecosystems, leading to species loss and changes in plant and animal life.
Extreme increase (doubling or more):
- Day and night cycles would be disrupted: Days and nights would be much shorter, potentially lasting only a few hours. This could have a major impact on plant and animal life, which rely on the current day-night cycle.
- The Earth could become uninhabitable: At very high speeds, the centrifugal force could become strong enough to tear the Earth apart. Additionally, the rapid changes in climate and weather could make the planet uninhabitable for humans and other life forms.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential consequences of Earth’s rotation speeding up.
The actual effects would depend on a variety of factors, including the rate of increase and the specific mechanisms that cause the rotation to change.
Scientists are still studying the causes and potential consequences of Earth’s rotation speeding up. However, it is clear that even a small change could have a significant impact on our planet and its inhabitants.
⇒Related: ⇒Is Time Speeding Up?
What’s causing Earth to tap into its inner speed demon?
Scientists are still piecing together the puzzle, but several leading theories are vying for attention:
- The Ice Melt Shuffle: As glaciers and polar ice caps melt due to climate change, water redistributes from the poles towards the equator. This shift in mass acts like a cosmic figure skater pulling their arms in, giving Earth a faster spin.
- Wobble, Wobble, Little Planet: Earth’s axis isn’t perfectly fixed, it wobbles slightly over time like a spinning top. Interestingly, this wobble decreased significantly from 2017 to 2020, coinciding with the period of faster rotation. Could this be a cosmic tango causing Earth to twirl a little faster?
- Windy Whispers and Ocean Gyrations: Seasonal variations in wind and ocean currents can also nudge Earth’s spin. While not the main driver, these transient changes might contribute to short-term fluctuations in speed, like a gentle breeze pushing a spinning toy.
- Seismic Shifts: Major earthquakes can slightly alter Earth’s axis, potentially impacting its rotation. The 2011 Japan earthquake, for example, is thought to have shaved a tiny fraction of a second off the day.
It’s important to remember:
- The acceleration is incredibly small, with the average person unlikely to notice the difference in day length.
- Earth’s rotation has historically slowed down due to the Moon’s gravitational pull. This long-term trend is expected to continue despite the recent speeding up.
- Scientists are still investigating the exact reasons behind the faster spin and whether it’s a temporary blip or a lasting change.
⇒Related: Is Time An Illusion
What Can We Do About The Earth Speeding Up?
The Earth’s recent faster rotation, while intriguing, isn’t something we can directly control or stop.
However, we can focus on understanding the causes and potential consequences to prepare for any future changes and mitigate potential negative impacts. Here are some areas where we can take action:
1. Research and Monitoring:
- Investing in research: We need a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind Earth’s changing rotation. This includes studying the roles of factors like ice melt, ocean currents, and atmospheric changes.
- Improving monitoring systems: Continuously monitoring Earth’s rotation and its impact on weather patterns, sea levels, and other geophysical factors is crucial for providing early warnings and informing adaptation strategies.
2. Climate Change Mitigation:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Since ice melt is a potential contributor to the faster rotation, tackling climate change by curbing emissions remains a top priority. This can involve transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and protecting forests.
- Adapting to sea level rise: As the Earth’s rotation might influence sea levels, coastal communities need to prepare for potential changes through measures like building seawalls, developing flood warning systems, and relocating vulnerable infrastructure.
3. Technological Advancements:
- Developing resilient infrastructure: Satellites, communication networks, and other critical infrastructure that rely on precise timekeeping need to be adapted to handle potential changes in Earth’s rotation.
- Investing in early warning systems: Advanced systems to predict extreme weather events and other potential consequences of a faster-spinning Earth can help us prepare and respond effectively.
4. Public Awareness and Education:
- Raising public awareness: Educating the public about the science behind Earth’s rotation, its potential consequences, and the ongoing research efforts can foster understanding and support for mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Encouraging individual action: Promoting sustainable practices and climate-conscious choices at the individual level can contribute to collective efforts in addressing the broader issue of climate change.
Remember, while the Earth’s faster rotation might seem daunting, it’s a chance to deepen our understanding of our planet and work towards a more sustainable future.
By focusing on research, climate action, technological advancements, and public awareness, we can navigate this change and ensure a resilient planet for generations to come.
It’s important to note that these are just some potential approaches, and the specific actions needed will depend on the evolving understanding of the causes and consequences of Earth’s faster rotation.
⇒Related: The Quickening Phenomenon
Conclusion
So, should we be worried about Earth’s newfound need for speed? Not necessarily.
While the consequences of a drastic increase in rotation are certainly something to consider, the current change is too small to cause immediate concerns.
However, it’s a fascinating reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet and the complex interplay of forces that keep it spinning like a cosmic top.
This discovery serves as a call to action for continued research into Earth’s rotation and its potential future changes.
Understanding these intricacies is crucial for predicting and preparing for any significant alterations in our planet’s spin, ensuring a smooth ride for future generations.
So, the next time you look up at the stars, remember that Earth isn’t just a stationary platform – it’s a spinning sphere with a fascinating story to tell, and the latest chapter is full of twists and turns. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!