On August 5th, shortest day may occur as scientists predict a potential increase in the Earth’s rotational speed, possibly shortening the day by 1.25 to 1.51 milliseconds. This observation is based on data from the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) and the U.S. Naval Observatory.
According to time-tracking agencies, this shift would make August 5th, 2025, the third shortest day in modern recorded history, following July 5, 2024 (1.66 ms shorter), and June 30, 2022 (1.59 ms shorter). The original forecast suggested a 1.51 ms reduction, later revised to 1.25 ms.
Natural phenomena are considered to lead to the shortening. Scientists think that the current relationship of the Moon positioned in the south with respect to the Earth could be impacting the speed of rotation of the planet. Additional contributors that it is possible to point out are variations in the liquid core of the Earth, shifting of the mantle, and reallocating of mass as a result of the melting of polar ice.
Although this would not affect the day-to-day human life, as the earth rotates faster, it will be important in the global timekeeping systems, satellite navigation, and in synchronizing atomic clocks. Under these tendencies, one of the possible outcomes can be related to pursuing a negative leap second never used previously.
Historically, Earth’s rotation has been slowing over millions of years. However, since 2020, a few days have shown unexpected acceleration. Scientists continue to analyze these anomalies to understand short-term changes versus long-term trends.
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