The retired Naval Observatory director of time explains why timekeepers around the world are still trying to figure out how to incorporate the increasing speed recorded over the past five years.
On June 29, Earth's rotation was measured at 1.59 milliseconds faster than usual, earning international headlines as the "fastest" day on Earth.
This long list includes atmospheric changes, tidal changes from the moon, sea surface changes during El Niño and crustal motion within the interior of the Earth. No surprise, timekeeping is fairly complicated. According to McCarthy, June 29 was the shortest day in recent history but only since the international adaptation of the atomic clock.
"Those observations then indicate that the Earth is not always rotating at the same speed. And how do we measure that? Well, we use a continuous time scale, one that doesn't pay any attention to the rotation of the Earth," McCarthy said.FILE - Icebergs are seen from NASA's Oceans Melting Greenland research aircraft on Sept. 7, 2021, near Upernavik, Greenland.
"Physics would argue then that if we continue to melt glaciers at the current rate, we would continue to maybe increase or, you know, essentially shorten the length of day and increase the Earth's rotation speed," he said.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Catalytic converter thefts: Tips on how to prevent the rising Chicago crimeChicago police are urging the public not to approach anyone attempting to steal a catalytic converter. Instead, a local auto shop has some tips to protect your vehicle.
Les mer »
Subway thefts soar almost 90 percent as suspected serial pickpocket goes freeThefts in the city’s transit system have shot up nearly 90% so far this year, cops said Tuesday.
Les mer »
Megan Thee Stallion Confirms New Album Is ‘Coming Soon,’ Nails L.A. Leakers FreestyleWatch MeganTheeStallion confirm a new album is in the works in a rap freestyle! 🎤
Les mer »
Why AMC Theatres Went “APE” in Bid to Reclaim Memestock StatusFor its latest gambit, the Adam Aron-run exhibition giant will issue a stock, AMC Preferred Equity, to thank retail investors and keep up interest in the chain.
Les mer »