Earth recently experienced one of its shortest days on record, and further shortening might potentially be on the horizon. While the rate of this acceleration appears to be slowing,the precise reason for these recent shifts in Earth’s rotation remains unclear.
A study published in 2024 proposed that the melting of polar ice and subsequent rise in sea levels could be influencing Earth’s spin. Though, this redistribution of mass might actually be moderating the acceleration rather than causing it. A more probable clarification points to processes occurring deep within the planet. The slowing of Earth’s liquid core could be redistributing angular momentum, leading to a slight increase in the rotational speed of the mantle and crust.
“The cause of this acceleration is not explained,” stated Leonid Zotov, a recognized expert on Earth’s rotation from Moscow State University, in comments to Timeanddate.com. “Most scientists believe it is something inside the Earth. Ocean and atmospheric models do not account for this significant acceleration.”
Zotov anticipates that Earth’s rotation may eventually decelerate again.If his prediction holds true, the current period of rapid spinning could be a transient anomaly within the planet’s broader, long-term trend of slowing rotation and lengthening days.
