A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days
Researchers have found that a gravitational battle between Earth's inner core and mantle is altering the planet's rotation, changing the length of days by a few milliseconds over decades. This change is imperceptible but significant for satellite and navigation systems. The study, published in Nature, suggests that the inner core's slightly lopsided shape and its gravitational interaction with the mantle cause these variations.
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- ✓ The gravitational torque between Earth's inner core and mantle drives multidecadal variations in the length of day.
- ✓ The inner core's slightly lopsided shape and its gravitational interaction with the mantle cause these variations.
- ✓ The length of Earth's day changes by a few milliseconds over decades due to this gravitational interaction.
What changed
A study published in Nature on September 23, 2026, identified the gravitational torque between Earth's inner core and mantle as a primary driver of decade-scale variations in the length of day.
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Earth's Inner Core Changes Length of Day by Milliseconds
Researchers have found that a gravitational battle between Earth's inner core and mantle is altering the planet's rotation, changing the length of days by a few milliseconds over decades. This change is imperceptible but significant for satellite and navigation systems. The study, published in Nature, suggests that the inner core's slightly lopsided shape and its gravitational interaction with the mantle cause these variations.
Why it matters
Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining precise timekeeping and navigation systems, which rely on accurate measurements of the Earth's rotation. The Earth's rotation has been slowing down over time due to the Moon's gravitational pull, but the recent variations are more complex and driven by internal forces. Scientists have been tracking these changes for decades, and this new research provides a key explanation.
What is confirmed
- The gravitational torque between Earth's inner core and mantle drives multidecadal variations in the length of day.
- The inner core's slightly lopsided shape and its gravitational interaction with the mantle cause these variations.
- The length of Earth's day changes by a few milliseconds over decades due to this gravitational interaction.
What to watch next
- Further research on the Earth's core and mantle interactions
- More precise measurements of the Earth's rotation and inner core dynamics
- Potential applications in navigation and timekeeping systems
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (20)
- WIRED — A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days
- Nature — Gravitational torque drives multidecadal variations in length of day
- Interesting Engineering — A tug-of-war deep beneath Earth is changing the day's length slowly
- Phys.org — Earth's deep secret: Why your day isn't quite 24 hours
- Radar.am — Scientists have discovered why the day is not always 24 hours long
- www.wired.com — A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days
- www.nature.com — Gravitational tug-of-war inside Earth is changing the length of our days | Nature
- www.trainerscity.com — Latest News from Wired | Trainers City
- www.halopedia.org — Slipstream space - Halopedia, the Halo wiki
- www.nature.com — Gravitational torque drives multidecadal variations in length of day | Nature
- flipboard.com — A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days
- positron.today — A gravitational battle within the Earth is changing the ...
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