Shorter Days Ahead? Earth May Spin Faster on These Days— Know the Reason

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Scientists have predicted that the Earth’s rotation will accelerate slightly in July and August, leading to marginally shorter days. According to timeanddate.com, July 9, July 22, and August 5 are expected to be the shortest days of the year, with August 5 being about 1.51 milliseconds shorter than average.

Though the change is minuscule, it has caught the attention of researchers globally. Historically, Earth’s rotation has not been constant. Estimates suggest the planet’s orbital period has fluctuated from 490 to 372 days in ancient times.

Why Is Earth Spinning Faster?

Several factors may be contributing to this unexpected acceleration. Scientists believe Earth’s core dynamics, melting glaciers, and mass redistribution on the surface are influencing the spin. Phenomena like El Niño, La Niña, and even the Moon’s distance from Earth’s equator may also play a role.

Experts are surprised by this development, as previous assumptions pointed to a gradual slowing of Earth’s rotation. If the trend continues, it could eventually lead to a rare adjustment in timekeeping—subtracting a leap second from global clocks, possibly as early as 2029. The exact cause of this acceleration remains unclear, with ongoing research attempting to uncover what’s truly driving this planetary shift.