Latest news with #EarthRotation
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Science
- Forbes
Get Ready For The Shortest Day Since Records Began As Earth Spins Faster
Earth could be about to record its fastest-ever rotation. Since 2020, Earth has been rotating faster than at any point since records began in 1973, with each successive year producing the shortest day. Last year, the shortest day was recorded on July 5, and Earth is expected to get close to this again on or close to July 9, July 22 and August 5, according to "Rapidly spinning globe. Symbolic of time passing, travel and other metaphors of space and time." Earth takes a nominal 24 hours to rotate once on its access, which is equal to 86,400 seconds. Until 2020, Earth's rotation had been gradually slowing down, and the shortest ever day recorded was just 1.05 milliseconds under 86,400 seconds. However, on July 19, 2020, Earth rotated 1.47 milliseconds less than 86,400 seconds. Last year, on July 5, it was even shorter at 1.66 milliseconds. Since 2020, Earth has seen 28 of its fastest days and predictions from International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service and U.S. Naval Observatory indicate that Earth will again rotate faster on July 9, July 22 or August 5. The uncertainty comes from the exact position of the moon, which acts as a drag factor, particularly when it's close to the equator. In the long-term, the moon is gradually slowing down the Earth's rotation, its gravitational pull causing tides and making Earth's orbital path around the sun slightly elliptical. Precise measurements of the length of a day come from atomic clocks and monitoring by the IERS. Scientists do not know why Earth's rotation has been speeding up since 2020. various factors are likely at play, including the motion of Earth's core and mantle, a shifting of mass due to the melting of ice sheets and glaciers, and variations in ocean currents and air movement. All of these could influence the day length by milliseconds. It could also be down to the 'Chandler wobble' — the movement of Earth's geographical poles across its surface. Historically, international timekeepers have added leap seconds to keep atomic time aligned with Earth's spin. However, since Earth is now rotating faster, not slower, so leap seconds are redundant. Instead, negative leap seconds— i.e., removing a second) — are being considered. IERS confirmed earlier this month that no leap second would be added in 2025. The last leap second was positive and used at the end of December 2016. Scientists are unsure what to do because the current speeding-up may be a blip in a longer trend of Earth's rotation slowing. It may seem trivial, but the fact that Earth is spinning faster in 2025, shaving milliseconds off the day, is critical for maintaining time accuracy worldwide. Maintaining alignment between Earth time and atomic time is crucial for GPS and satellite navigation, financial systems reliant on precise timestamps and synchronizing networks across the world.
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Scientists Just Hacked the Planet: This New Tech Extracts Energy Directly From Earth's Spin and Could End the Fossil Fuel Era
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Christopher Chyba from Princeton discovered a method to generate electricity using the Earth's rotation. from Princeton discovered a method to generate electricity using the Earth's rotation. 🔬 This experiment challenges traditional physics by tapping into the Earth's asymmetrical magnetic field . . ⚡ The manganese-zinc ferrite cylinder produced a measurable voltage, opening new possibilities for energy generation. produced a measurable voltage, opening new possibilities for energy generation. 🛰️ Potential applications include space exploration, offering an alternative energy source for spacecraft beyond solar power. In a groundbreaking development, physicist Christopher Chyba from Princeton has made a remarkable discovery that could revolutionize the way we harness energy. By utilizing a seemingly simple device composed of manganese, zinc, and iron, Chyba has tapped into a source of energy generated from the Earth's rotation. This novel approach, published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Research, challenges the conventional boundaries of physics. It opens up a realm of possibilities that could significantly impact the future of energy production, making it more sustainable and accessible. Challenging the Limits of Physics Christopher Chyba's experiment appeared almost too simple to be true. Observing a weak yet distinct electrical tension, Chyba traced the energy source to the Earth's rotation. This idea originated nearly a decade ago, when he studied how distant moons generate heat by traversing the magnetic fields of their planets. In theory, the Earth's rotation within its magnetic field could generate an electric current in a conductive material. However, this phenomenon was considered impractical due to the rapid reorganization of electrons that nullifies any potential current. Chyba, alongside Kevin Hand from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, argued that the conventional assumptions based on Michael Faraday's 1832 experiments might not hold under specific conditions. They discovered that the Earth's asymmetrical magnetic field might present an untapped opportunity. This revelation suggests that with further exploration, new avenues in energy generation could be explored. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use A Promising Device The Earth's magnetic field, generated by the movements of liquid iron within its core, is not uniform. A component of this field, symmetrical and aligned with the Earth's rotational axis, could serve as a stable energy source. To test this hypothesis, researchers constructed a manganese-zinc ferrite cylinder, a material both conductive and resistant to magnetic disturbances. By tilting the cylinder at 57 degrees relative to the Earth's magnetic field, they measured a weak but undeniable voltage of 18 microvolts. Subsequent tests, which involved adjusting the angle and using a solid cylinder, confirmed the phenomenon was genuine and not a mere anomaly. Rigorous testing was implemented to shield the experiment from external interferences such as temperature fluctuations or electromagnetic noise. Although the power produced is minimal, this device opens intriguing prospects. A scaled-up version or one utilizing optimized materials could generate more energy. Researchers are also considering space applications, where the Earth's magnetic field is more potent. Eventually, this technology could produce micro-currents to power small devices, serving as 'indestructible batteries.' 'Deepest Hole on Earth': Quaise Energy Unveils Revolutionary Wave Drilling Tech to Pierce the Planet's Crust Like Never Before Scientific Skepticism The study's results have sparked both interest and skepticism. Yong Zhu, a microelectronics expert at Griffith University, pointed out that several factors, such as temperature variations, could yield similar signals. He advocates for further testing before these conclusions can be accepted. Likewise, Rinke Wijngaarden, a retired physicist who conducted comparable experiments without success, remains cautious. Despite praising Chyba's rigorous testing, he believes these weak voltages might have alternative explanations. Nonetheless, this discovery continues to intrigue the scientific community. Christopher Chyba acknowledges that for full validation, his results need to be reproduced by other teams. Although in its infancy, this technology could pave the way for new possibilities. Could we one day harness the Earth's rotation to power our world? 'Wild Spinach Saves the Day': Scientists Discover This Ordinary Plant Could Stop Catastrophic Fungus From Destroying US Farmlands Future Implications and Potential Applications The implications of Chyba's findings are vast and could transform our approach to energy generation. If scalable, this technology might reduce our reliance on conventional energy sources like fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable future. The ability to harness energy from the Earth's rotation also presents exciting prospects for space exploration. Spacecraft could potentially use this energy source to power instruments and communication devices without relying on solar power, which is less effective beyond Earth's orbit. Moreover, this discovery raises intriguing possibilities for technological innovation on Earth. By scaling up the device or improving its efficiency, we might develop new energy solutions that are not only eco-friendly but also economically viable. As research progresses, the world watches with interest, pondering the potential of a future where the Earth's rotation plays a significant role in energy production. Could this be the dawn of a new era in sustainable energy? As scientists continue to delve into the potential of this remarkable discovery, the possibilities seem endless. The idea of harnessing energy from the Earth's rotation challenges our current understanding and opens up a new frontier for research and innovation. How might this breakthrough influence our future energy landscape, and what other untapped natural phenomena could we explore for sustainable energy solutions? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
Sustainability Times
06-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Nasa Confirms the Unthinkable': China's Giant Water Diversion Project Will Slow Earth's Rotation and Disrupt Global Timekeeping
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 NASA confirms that human-made structures, like the Three Gorges Dam, subtly affect Earth's rotation. confirms that human-made structures, like the Three Gorges Dam, subtly affect Earth's rotation. 🏗️ The Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest hydroelectric dam, impacting both energy production and global dynamics. in China is the largest hydroelectric dam, impacting both energy production and global dynamics. 🔄 Mass movements, from natural events to infrastructure projects, can alter the planet's rotation by microseconds. ⚠️ The interplay between human activity and natural systems raises questions about unforeseen global consequences. Human-made structures have always pushed the boundaries of what's possible, affecting not just our landscapes but also, according to NASA, the very rotation of our planet. As we continue to develop massive infrastructures, we inadvertently cause minute changes in Earth's rotation. This phenomenon is compounded by climate change, which alters the distribution of the Earth's mass. The implications of these changes are not entirely understood, but they underscore the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment. Let's delve deeper into some of the most significant structures that illustrate this impact on a global scale. Ever Taller and More Massive The era of skyscrapers and colossal constructions is well upon us. Iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, the Shanghai Tower, and The Clock Towers symbolize humanity's drive to reach new heights. However, few structures can compare to the Three Gorges Dam in China when it comes to sheer mass and impact. Situated in Hubei Province, this hydroelectric dam is the largest in the world and took nearly 18 years to complete, from 1994 to its final phase in 2012. The dam serves multiple purposes: it asserts China's newfound power, controls a dangerous river, and supports the country's energy needs. 'We'll See Gravity Like Never Before': NASA's Wild Quantum Gradiometer Will Map Earth's Invisible Forces From Orbit According to the National Center for Space Studies (CNES), the dam aims to balance territorial dynamics by emphasizing the interior over the coastal regions. This underlines a strategic goal to integrate less developed areas into the national economy. As we construct ever more massive infrastructures, we must consider their broader implications, not just their immediate benefits. 'Nuclear Breakthrough at NASA': New Space Power System Passes First Test Using Fuel That's Five Times Cheaper Than Before The Largest Hydroelectric Dam in the World China stands as the world's leading producer of hydroelectric power, both in capacity and output. Yet, despite its monumental size, the Three Gorges Dam only meets a mere 3% of China's energy demands, far less than the initially projected 10%. This discrepancy highlights the challenges of meeting national energy needs even with massive projects. However, the dam's significance extends beyond energy production; it may slow Earth's rotation. 'China Disrupts Earth's Rotation': NASA Confirms Massive Project Is Slowing the Planet With Unprecedented Global Consequences A 2005 NASA article suggests that global events involving mass movement, such as the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, can influence Earth's rotation. Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center points out that all mass movements, from seasonal weather patterns to driving a car, have an effect. This theory raises intriguing questions about the cumulative impact of our constructions and activities on a planetary scale. 0.06 Microseconds To better understand these changes, consider an analogy from IFLScience: an ice skater increases their spin by bringing their arms closer to their body. Similarly, the 2004 earthquake altered Earth's seismic structure, shortening the day by 2.68 microseconds. If the Three Gorges Dam's reservoir were filled to capacity, it would hold 10 trillion gallons of water. This mass redistribution could increase the length of a day by 0.06 microseconds, making Earth slightly more oblate. While these changes may seem negligible, they exemplify the profound influence of human activity on our planet. The potential implications for timekeeping, navigation, and even climate patterns warrant further investigation. As we continue to build and expand, understanding these subtle shifts becomes increasingly important. As humanity continues to construct monumental infrastructures, the intricate relationship between our endeavors and natural systems becomes ever more apparent. While the direct impacts of such projects are often well-studied, their broader effects, like those on Earth's rotation, remain largely speculative. What other unforeseen consequences might arise as we push the boundaries of engineering and technology? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
