Current Affairs-Topics

Earth's Rotation Speed Is Increasing

On 9 July 2025, Earth completed a full rotation 1.6 milliseconds faster than the standard 24-hour day. This was the shortest day ever recorded, indicating a sudden increase in Earth's rotation speed.

This unusual event is of great scientific importance and a key topic for SSC exam preparation, especially in the general awareness and science sections.

What Is Earth's Rotation Speed?

Earth's rotation speed refers to how fast the planet spins around its axis. At the equator, the average rotation speed is about 1,670 km/h. This speed influences:

  • The length of a day

  • Timekeeping systems (like UTC)

  • Weather patterns

  • Ocean tides

  • Satellite navigation

When Earth spins faster, the day lengthens. The recent change in Earth's rotation speed has implications for global time synchronization.

Why Did Earth Spin Faster in July 2025?

Scientists say the gravitational influence of the Moon played a major role. The Moon’s tidal forces pull on Earth's surface, affecting the spin speed variation. Other factors influencing Earth's rotation speed include:

  • Seismic activity and tectonic movements

  • Changes in atmospheric pressure

  • The melting of glaciers, which redistributes Earth’s mass

  • Ocean currents and wind patterns

These dynamic factors together cause slight but measurable changes in Earth’s angular momentum and equatorial rotation speed.

Important Dates with Shorter Days

After 9 July 2025, scientists observed similarly shorter days on:

  • 22 July 2025

  • 5 August 2025

These patterns suggest a temporary but notable acceleration in Earth's rotation speed. Continuous tracking is essential to understand whether this is part of a cyclical shift or a long-term trend.

How Does Earth's Rotation Speed Affect Timekeeping?

Modern timekeeping is based on two scales:

  • UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) – Based on atomic clocks

  • UT1 (Universal Time 1) – Based on Earth's rotation speed

When Earth’s spin rate deviates, leap seconds are added or removed to align the two. So far:

  • 27 positive leap seconds have been added since 1972 due to Earth slowing down.

  • A negative leap second (to remove 1 second) is now planned for 2029, a first in human history, due to increased Earth rotation speed.

This adjustment is crucial to keep astronomical and atomic time in harmony.

Key Scientific Terms SSC Aspirants Should Know

  • Earth’s axis: The imaginary line around which Earth rotates

  • Day length: The Time Earth takes to complete one full spin

  • Earth rotation time: Varies slightly due to natural forces

  • Planet rotation: The spinning of Earth around its axis

  • Atomic time: Time measured by highly accurate atomic clocks

  • Astronomical time: Time based on the actual Earth rotation speed

Does Faster Rotation Affect Daily Life?

Currently, no significant effects are felt by humans due to this increased Earth rotation speed, but the scientific community is watching closely. Key concerns include:

  • Impact on GPS accuracy

  • Satellite alignment

  • Astronomical observations

  • Data transmission timing

How Do Scientists Measure Earth Rotation Speed?

They use tools like:

  • Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI)

  • Laser gyroscopes

  • Global Positioning System (GPS) data

  • Satellite laser ranging

These instruments detect even microsecond-level changes in Earth's rotation speed, helping experts forecast future events like leap second needs.

Must-Know SSC Questions

  1. What was the shortest day recorded and when?
    9 July 2025, shorter by 1.6 milliseconds

  2. What causes changes in Earth’s rotation speed?
    Tidal forces, seismic shifts, glacial melting, and atmospheric patterns

  3. What is the impact of a negative leap second?
    One second will be removed from UTC to correct for the faster Earth's rotation speed

  4. How fast is the Earth rotating right now?
    → Approx. 1,670 km/h at the equator, slightly faster than before

  5. What is the difference between Earth’s orbit and rotation?
    Rotation is spinning around its axis (24 hrs); Orbit is revolution around the Sun (365 days)

Final Thoughts

The recent acceleration in Earth's rotation speed is a rare but significant event with wide implications for timekeeping, navigation, and scientific research. The shortening of the day on 9 July 2025 shows how sensitive our planet is to natural forces like the Moon’s gravity.

With the announcement of a negative leap second in 2029, timekeeping systems must adjust to remain accurate. Understanding these changes helps scientists improve models of Earth’s dynamics.

For SSC aspirants, this topic is highly relevant across the science and current affairs sections. Stay updated, as questions on Earth's rotation speed may likely appear in upcoming exams.

More Related Articles

Magnetic Energy in Solar Loops

In a major advancement in solar research, scientists have detected miniature plasma loops in the Sun’s chromosphere, the lower layer of the solar atmosphere. This breakthrough enhances ou

Nipah virus symptoms in India

The Nipah virus poses a serious public health challenge due to its high fatality rate and potential for rapid outbreaks. Understanding Nipah virus symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, ti

Fossil Parks in India by UNESCO

The study of prehistoric life has found a proud place in India’s natural heritage, and recently, fossil parks in India have gained international attention. The latest addition to this rec

ICMR AI Guidelines 2025 for Hospitals

The ICMR AI Guidelines 2025 represent a significant milestone in the integration of Artificial Intelligence into India’s rapidly evolving healthcare system. Released by the Indian Council

AI in Human Development UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released its latest Human Development Report 2025, title. “A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI.” The repor

ISRO’s Mahendragiri test

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a brief hot test of its semicryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, on April 24, 2025

Elon Musk Uses Ketamine for Depression – How Safe Is It?

Elon Musk uses ketamine to manage depression, a revelation that has sparked discussions on the safety and effectiveness of the drug for mental health treatment. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has cla

Read CEO Satya nadella's letters to employees

CEO Satya Nadella’s Leadership Strategy Microsoft has recently announced significant shifts in its HR leadership, marking a new chapter under the strategic vision of CEO Satya Nadella. Wi

India Enhances National Defence

The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) recently signed contracts worth Rs 10,147 crore to boost the firepower of the Indian Army. These agreements involve the procurement of advanced mu

India’s EV Charging Infrastructure Revolution

The market for electric vehicle (EV) charging is expanding in India. More than $450 million has recently been invested in start-ups that concentrate on battery-swapping models and cha

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham