Recent observations reveal an acceleration in Earth's rotation. This phenomenon will result in shorter days during July and August 2025.
Specifically, on July 9, July 22, and August 5, 2025, Earth will complete its rotation approximately 1.3 to 1.5 milliseconds faster than the standard 86,400-second day.
The Moon's position significantly influences this acceleration. Its gravitational pull, altered by its distance from Earth's equator, causes a slight increase in Earth's spin rate.
These variations pose challenges for precise timekeeping. Scientists may need to introduce a "negative leap second" to synchronize atomic clocks with Earth's rotation if the trend persists.
Climate change also contributes to these changes. The melting of polar ice sheets redistributes mass, impacting Earth's spin rate.
Understanding these subtle changes is crucial for global timekeeping and comprehending climate change impacts on our planet.