Earth Had ‘Fastest Day’ Yet: New Record for Earth’s Rotation

The researchers report the shortest day yet, at least since Earth’s rotation rate was determined using atomic clocks. It has been that way since the 1960s. Consequently, on July 29, 2022

according to timesanddate.com
measured that the earth rotated around its own axis 1.59 milliseconds faster than 24 hours. The previous “Fastest Day” record was minus 1.47 milliseconds on July 19, 2020.

So on July 29, 2022, the Earth rotated 1.59 milliseconds faster than 24 hours. In fact, the time it takes for the Earth to rotate on its own axis varies and is not always 86,400 seconds, that is, 24 hours. In recent years, however, it has been observed that the earth is spinning faster and faster. In 2020 alone, the shortest 28 days were measured and the trend continued into 2021. In 2022, a new shortest day of -1.5 milliseconds was measured on July 26, 2022 and shortly thereafter on July 29, 2022. 2022, an even shorter day at -1.59 milliseconds.

Researchers wonder why Earth is in a hurry

There are various theories about the exact reasons, but scientists seem to disagree. It is assumed that processes in the inner or outer layers of the earth, the oceans or the tides could play a role. A connection to the weather cannot be ruled out either. Two scientists suspect that “Chandler-Wobble” is responsible for the shortening of the length of the day. Such small and irregular movements of the geographical poles of the earth.

The first negative leap second might be required

According to Timesanddate.com, if the trend of faster and faster Earth rotation continues, the introduction of the first negative leap second might be necessary. So far there have been leap seconds, but positive leap seconds.

This negative leap second would be necessary due to the faster rotation of the earth to harmonize the time based on the atomic clocks that we use in everyday life with solar time. The second omitted could cause problems for IT systems.

A positive leap second on June 30, 2012 caused problems on servers running certain versions of the Linux kernel. At that time, on the night of June 30 to July 1, the clock jumped from 23:59:59 to 23:59:60 or just then to 00:00:00. About 50 flights were delayed at Qantas airline because the flight booking software got confused due to the leap second (

we inform).

A negative leap second would jump a second. 23:59:58 would be followed by 00:00:00.

However, scientists are currently assuming that this negative leap second scenario is quite unlikely. Ultimately, he would have to decide

International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service
(IERS). Organization measurements are included in the calculation of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Coordinated Universal Time, in turn, is coordinated by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Paris.