This summer, the Earth has picked up speed in its rotation, slightly reducing the duration of each day and catching the attention of scientists and those who manage global timekeeping.
According to recent readings from the U.S. Naval Observatory and the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service, July 10 was the shortest day of the year so far. That day, Earth completed its rotation 1.36 milliseconds faster than the standard 24-hour period.
Data compiled by timeanddate.com indicates that the planet’s swift spin will likely continue in the coming weeks. Days like July 22 and August 5 are predicted to be shorter by 1.34 and 1.25 milliseconds, respectively.
Although the time lost each day is extremely small, these variations reflect natural shifts in Earth’s rotation caused by a range of factors, including atmospheric winds, ocean currents, seismic activity, and changes within the Earth’s core. Experts are keeping a close eye on these changes to determine whether they could require adjustments to our timekeeping systems—such as the possible introduction of a “negative leap second,” where a second is removed from official clocks to realign with Earth’s actual rotation.
Such a move has never been made before, but it’s becoming a more plausible topic of discussion as scientists continue to monitor this accelerating planetary behavior.
