Story perspectives

Climate Change Extends Days: Earth's Rotation Slows

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Climate change is slowing Earth's rotation, as sea-level rise increases day length by 1.33 milliseconds per century.
Researchers analyze fossils to compare historical day lengths.
Fossil evidence shows today’s day-length increase is among the fastest in 3.6 billion years.
Projections indicate day length could increase by 2.62 milliseconds per century by 2080 due to rising greenhouse gases.
The shift may require recalibrating instruments that rely on precise rotation data.

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Story summary

Climate change is slowing Earth's rotation, as sea-level rise increases day length by 1.33 milliseconds per century.
Researchers analyze fossils to compare historical day lengths.
Fossil evidence shows today’s day-length increase is among the fastest in 3.6 billion years.
Projections indicate day length could increase by 2.62 milliseconds per century by 2080 due to rising greenhouse gases.
The shift may require recalibrating instruments that rely on precise rotation data.