Earth's rotation slowing after record-short days, scientists predict

Earth's rotation, which recently accelerated leading to record-short days, appears to be slowing down again. The shortest day of 2026 is predicted for July 26, measuring approximately 0.65 milliseconds shorter than a standard 24-hour day. This follows a trend of unusually rapid rotation observed since 2020, with 2025 recording a day 1.37 milliseconds shorter. Scientists attribute these fluctuations to various factors, including lunar orbits, tidal forces, and internal Earth movements, with some research also linking the gradual slowdown to climate change. AI

RANK_REASON The item discusses scientific data and predictions regarding Earth's rotation, citing research and expert opinions. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.0]

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• Earth
• Graham Jones
• International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service
• Leonid Zotov
• Lomonosov Moscow State University
• Texas
• TimeAndDate.com

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