A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days

Live updates

1. 24d ago

   Inner Core and Climate Patterns Alter Earth's Rotation

   Earth's rotation fluctuates by milliseconds over decades due to gravitational interactions between the inner core and mantle. While the non-spherical shape of the inner core creates torque that shifts angular momentum, external climate factors also play a role. El Nino is currently slowing rotation by shifting global wind patterns, an effect that should reach a maximum of one millisecond around November. These combined forces cause the length of a day to vary slightly over time.

   Why it matters

   Precise rotation measurements are essential for timekeeping and satellite navigation. The interaction between the solid inner core and the mantle provides a mechanical explanation for long-term rotation shifts. Recent data suggests atmospheric changes also influence these timings.

   What is confirmed

   • The inner core's non-spherical shape creates gravitational torque when misaligned with the mantle.
   • Rotation fluctuations result in days becoming milliseconds longer or shorter over decades.

   Still unconfirmed

   • El Nino is extending Earth's days by about one millisecond at its strongest point.
   • The rotation slowing effect of El Nino will peak around November.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of rotation changes following the November El Nino peak
   • Further data on the interaction between electromagnetic torque and gravitational torque
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.birdsadvice.com — Scientists Investigate the Hidden Forces That Could Be ...
   2. www.thedailyjagran.com — El Nino's Surprising Effect Beyond Weather, It Makes Earth's ...
   3. seenthem.com — Will Earth Lose Gravity for 7 Seconds? The Real Story -
   confidence 80%
2. 27d ago

   University of Alberta Researchers Link Core Gravitational Torque to Day Length

   Huifeng Zhang and Mathieu Dumberry of the University of Alberta identify gravitational torque between Earth's inner core and mantle as the primary driver of multidecadal millisecond fluctuations in day length. Analyzing data from 1964 to 2019, the researchers found that the solid inner core is not perfectly spherical. This uneven shape creates a turning force when misaligned with mass patterns in the mantle, exchanging angular momentum and altering rotation. Electromagnetic and topographic torque at the core-mantle boundary generally resist this gravitational effect.

   Why it matters

   Precise rotation is critical for high-accuracy timing systems despite changes being imperceptible to humans. While daily rotation is nominally 24 hours, it varies due to internal and external forces. Understanding these shifts helps scientists model the physics of the Earth's subsurface.

   What is confirmed

   • Huifeng Zhang and Mathieu Dumberry of the University of Alberta used reconstructions of inner-core rotation and liquid core flows to analyze data from 1964 to 2019.
   • The solid inner core exerts a gravitational torque on the mantle because it is slightly uneven rather than perfectly spherical.
   • Gravitational torque may be the leading cause of multidecadal patterns in day length, while topographic and electromagnetic torque at the core-mantle boundary primarily resist it.
   • Earth's rotation is not perfectly constant, resulting in millisecond changes in day length.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Melting ice and depleting groundwater are causing a shift in mass that slows Earth's spin.

   What to watch next

   • Further studies on the interaction between electromagnetic torque and gravitational torque.
   Sources used for this update (16)

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   5. levelread.com — Earth's Core May Change Day Length | Level Read, Daily ...
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   9. www.wionews.com — Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 ...
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   confidence 90%
3. 39d ago

   Inner Core Swing Alters Earth's Day Length

   A study published in Nature identifies a gravitational tug between Earth's inner core and mantle as the cause of millisecond fluctuations in day length over several decades. Two Canadian researchers found that the inner core swings approximately 2.35 degrees over a 70-year cycle. This gravitational torque shifts the planet's rotation, making the day slightly deviate from exactly 24 hours. While these changes are too small for humans to feel, they impact the precision of high-accuracy timing systems.

   Why it matters

   Precise timekeeping is essential for the operation of satellite networks and global navigation. The interaction occurs 3,000 miles below the surface where the core's shape influences the mantle.

   What is confirmed

   • A study in Nature found that the inner core's gravitational pull on the mantle changes day length by milliseconds over decades.
   • The inner core swings about 2.35 degrees over roughly 70 years.

   What to watch next

   • Peer review of the Canadian researchers' specific data sets
   • Further measurements of the inner core's current position in its 70-year cycle
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.earth.com — Earth’s day isn’t exactly 24 hours, and the planet’s swinging inner core may be part of the reason
   2. www.natureworldnews.com — A Gravitational Tug Deep Inside Earth May Explain Why the ...
   3. www.cronista.com — Study Something is changing the length of days on Earth: what ...
   4. ca.news.yahoo.com — A titanic ‘tug-of-war’ inside Earth is changing the length of our days - Yahoo News Canada
   confidence 100%
4. 41d ago

   Internal Torques Between Earth Core and Mantle Alter Day Length

   A gravitational conflict between Earth's inner core and mantle is shifting the planet's rotation. This interaction, driven by a battle of torques 3,000 miles underground, causes the length of days to fluctuate by a few milliseconds over several decades. While these changes are imperceptible to humans, they create significant challenges for the precision of satellite and navigation systems. The phenomenon stems from the inner core's slightly lopsided shape and its gravitational pull on the surrounding mantle.

   Why it matters

   Precise timekeeping is essential for global positioning systems and satellite synchronization. The study published in Nature identifies the inner core as the primary driver of these rotational variations. Understanding these deep-earth forces helps scientists refine models of planetary physics.

   What is confirmed

   • A gravitational interaction between the inner core and mantle changes the length of days by a few milliseconds over decades.
   • The inner core's lopsided shape contributes to these rotational variations.
   • Rotational changes impact satellite and navigation systems.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A battle of torques 3,000 miles beneath the surface decides if a day runs long or short.

   What to watch next

   • Further peer-reviewed data on the specific torque measurements of the inner core.
   • Updates on how navigation system calibrations are adjusting to these millisecond shifts.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.popularmechanics.com — Something Deep Inside the Earth Is Messing With Time—and Making Days Longer Than 24 Hours
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   confidence 90%
5. 45d ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. WIRED — A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days
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   confidence 85%