In July 9, the rotation of the earth was faster than usual – and it is not over yet. Two more days on July 22nd and August 5, our planet will become a little faster on itself. A tiny but very real acceleration, the scientists of which do not understand the origin.
Since 2020 the scientist Observe an acceleration of the rotation of the earth, although this speed becomes slower in the long run. This phenomenon experienced a climax in July 2024 when the planet broke its shortest rotary record with 1.66 milliseconds in advance. “The cause of this acceleration remains unexplained” timanddate.com. He states that “most scientists believe that it is an inner phenomenon of the earth”.
The phenomenon occurred again on July 9, 2025: The earth revolved at 1.30 milliseconds in advance after the standard duration. And this summer, July 22nd and then on August 5, according to the International Earth Rotation Service (ISRS), will reproduce twice TF1. This last day will even be the shortest of the year with 1.51 millisecond.
The influence of the moon and the farmers
Several factors influence the speed of the earth: volcanic activity, earthquakes, the melting of ice under the effect of climate change, but also – and above all the position of the moon. As the astrophysicist Graham Jones reminds, interviewed by von Daily Mail“The position of the moon in particular influences the rotation of the earth” in the weeks.
A change too tiny to feel like
In order to replace this phenomenon on a human scale, let us remember that a hard eye blinks between 100 and 150 milliseconds. The shortened days this summer, which accumulate a total loss of 4.19 milliseconds, is therefore not detectable with the naked eye.
However, this is a capital fact for metrologists. Since 1972, these time specialists have regularly adapted the nuclear period (ultra -pre -prepared) to the more variable rhythm of the astronomical time and added so -called “intercalaire” plugs. From 2029 a novelty could appear: the addition of a negative second, a historical first that first imagined when the gap increases between the twice further.
A scientific secret that is examined
The reasons for this acceleration remain vague for the time being. “Oceanic and atmospheric models do not explain this considerable acceleration,” Leonid Zotov continues. “Sooner or later the earth will slow down,” he said. It remains to be seen when.
Scientists are given the opportunity until 2035 to introduce this famous negative second. An adaptation that, if it is validated, would mark a turning point in our type of measurement of time.