How Earthâs rotation is making today feel like the shortest day ever | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleErin KellerWednesday 09 July 2025 23:30 BSTSomething is âpulsingâ beneath the Earth, scientists say â and could tear a continent apartEarth's rotation has recently accelerated, making some summer days fractionally shorter by milliseconds.This phenomenon, though unnoticeable in daily life, significantly impacts high-precision timekeeping systems like atomic clocks and GPS.Scientists at the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service suggest the acceleration is due to a subtle shift in the Moon's orbital alignment, reducing âtidal brakingâ.However, other experts, such as Moscow State University astronomer Leonid Zotov, state the cause remains unexplained, possibly originating from within the Earth.The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service is considering implementing a ânegative leap secondâ for the first time, potentially around 2029, to resynchronize global time.In fullTime keeps on slipping - literally. Why today might have been the shortest day youâll ever experienceThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in