Have you noticed that days seem to be getting longer? It’s not your imagination—it’s a scientific fact tied to the impact of climate change on Earth’s rotation. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (via Forbes) reveals that melting ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica are reshaping our planet in ways that affect the length of a day.
The Science Behind It
When ice from the poles melts, it flows into the oceans, particularly near the equator. This movement of mass changes how Earth rotates. To understand this, think of a figure skater spinning with arms stretched out versus pulled in close—the distribution of mass affects rotation speed. Similarly, as more water moves away from Earth’s axis due to melting ice, our planet’s rotation slows down slightly.
Also read: Understanding the Thirty Metre Telescope project and India’s role in it
Impact on Day Length
A typical day on Earth is 24 hours, but tiny adjustments matter. Climate change is adding milliseconds to this 24-hour period over time. While it may seem insignificant, even a few milliseconds affect global timekeeping, digital infrastructure, and the accuracy of GPS satellites. This shift could also complicate space travel planning in the future.
The Role of the Moon
The moon’s gravitational pull has been slowing down Earth’s rotation for centuries through tidal braking. This process adds about 2.3 milliseconds to each day per century, according to BBC. Over millions of years, this interaction will lead to longer days as the moon moves farther away from Earth.
Also read: NASA’s Hubble discovers rare black hole close to Earth in Omega Centauri
Human Influence
What’s alarming is that human activities, especially climate change, are now influencing Earth’s rotation more significantly than natural processes.
Moving Forward
In my opinion, each small change in our environment can lead to broader consequences, reminding us of our role in shaping the future of our planet’s natural systems.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
