Earth suddenly rotates faster – new record time makes researchers puzzle

Researchers report the so far shortest day ever, at least since the speed of the earth’s rotation was determined using atomic clocks. This has been the case since the 1960s. According to Timesanddate.com, on July 29, 2022, it was measured that the earth rotated around its own axis 1.59 milliseconds faster than 24 hours. The previous record for “Fastest Day” 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 the earth to rotate around its own axis varies and does not always take 86,400 seconds, i.e. 24 hours. In recent years, however, it has been observed that the earth is rotating faster and faster. In 2020 alone, the 28 shortest days were measured and the trend then continued in 2021. In 2022, a new shortest day with -1.5 milliseconds was measured on July 26, 2022 and then a short time later on July 29, 2022, an even shorter day with -1.59 milliseconds.

Researchers puzzle why the earth is in a hurry

There are several 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 with the climate cannot be ruled out either. Two scientists suspect that “Chandler-Wobble” is responsible for the shortening of day length. So small, irregular movements of the geographic poles of the earth.

First negative leap second might be necessary

According to Timesanddate.com, if the trend of ever faster earth rotation continues, the introduction of the very first negative leap second could become 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 in order to harmonize the time based on atomic clocks that we use in everyday life with solar time. The skipped second could cause problems for IT systems.

A positive leap second on June 30, 2012 caused problems for servers with certain Linux kernel versions. At that time, in the night from June 30 to July 1, the clock jumped from 23:59:59 to 23:59:60 or only then to 00:00:00. Around 50 flights were delayed on the Qantas airline because the flight reservation software got confused due to the leap second (we reported).

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

However, scientists are currently assuming that this scenario of a negative leap second is rather unlikely. The International Service for Earth Rotation and Reference Systems (IERS) would ultimately have to decide on this. The organization’s 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.