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Earth's Day Shortens: Scientists Unravel Mysterious Rotation Shift

8/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 5, 2025, Earth’s solar day will shrink to 1.25 milliseconds shorter than the usual 24 hours, highlighting a mysterious increase in rotation speed. This unexpected change, potentially tied to shifts in the planet's liquid core, stands in stark contrast to the historical pattern of lengthening days caused by the moon's gravitational pull. Scientists are still unraveling this enigma.

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Story summary

On August 5, 2025, Earth’s solar day will shrink to 1.25 milliseconds shorter than the usual 24 hours, highlighting a mysterious increase in rotation speed. This unexpected change, potentially tied to shifts in the planet's liquid core, stands in stark contrast to the historical pattern of lengthening days caused by the moon's gravitational pull. Scientists are still unraveling this enigma.