The Earth is spinning faster and faster, and no one really knows why

While the normal length of a day is around 24 hours, in recent years, the Earth seems to be spinning faster, and no one really knows why. And in 2025, a few dates could set a record, notably July 9, July 22, and August 5. 

In fact, the official length of a day is 86,400 seconds. But in 2024, and more precisely on July 5, 2024, the Earth rotated on its axis 1.66 milliseconds less. If you're wondering how such differences were measured, it was done with the help of atomic clocks. These devices are capable of measuring the rotation of our planet with immense precision. The results are then sent to the IERS (International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service), which adjusts time measurement systems in the event of significant changes.

However, while no one knows exactly why the Earth is spinning faster and faster, one hypothesis points to the effects of the Moon, our natural satellite. When the Moon moves away from the equator as it orbits the Earth, it changes the distribution of mass on our planet, causing a change in its rotation.

But this phenomenon, which has become more pronounced in recent times, remains difficult to explain. Scientists have put forward several hypotheses, such as melting ice, movements related to the Earth's core, and changes in ocean currents. But none of these hypotheses provides a complete answer to this problem, especially when considered in isolation. 

And if you think this has no effect on our devices, you are mistaken. Many GPS systems, satellites, and financial networks require very precise timing. Thus, any change, no matter how small, can have significant effects if it is not taken into account. 

Furthermore, researcher Leonid Zotov believes that this acceleration is greater than predicted by models. And although he thinks that a slowdown should occur in the not-too-distant future, a leap second could be removed in 2029 if measurements continue in this direction.