Is Earth’s Changing Rotation Alarming?

Orange Lightning

Earth's rotation does fluctuate slightly, but it's not necessarily alarming, here are some things to know. 

1

It's Natural

Earth's rotation isn't perfectly constant, the moon's gravity,  ocean currents and atmospheric movements cause subtle variations.

2

Tiny Shifts

These changes are measured in milliseconds, imperceptible in  daily life, a millisecond is one-thousandth of a second.

3

Long-Term Trends

Earth's rotation is slowing down very gradually, by fractions of a second per century.

4

Bigger Impacts

Earthquakes and large volcanic eruptions can have a more significant, though still minor, impact on rotation.

5

Not Immediate Threat

These changes won't disrupt our day/night cycle drastically in the foreseeable future.

6

Scientific Importance

Studying these variations helps  us understand Earth's interior and climate change, and even predict future earthquakes.

7

Monitor

Scientists closely track Earth's rotation. While it's interesting, there's no need for immediate alarm.