Scientists have recently uncovered a mysterious phenomenon causing the Earth to rotate faster, resulting in slightly shorter days. In July, three days—specifically the 9th, 10th, and 22nd—were each about 1.3 milliseconds shorter than the standard 24-hour period. Experts expect a similar event to occur again on August 5, 2025.

While the exact cause remains unclear, astronomer Professor David Jewitt from UCLA believes this unusual acceleration may be explained by the conservation of angular momentum—a physics principle describing how rotating bodies react to mass shifts. He suggests that changes like melting glaciers, shifting tectonic plates, and variations in the atmosphere are redistributing Earth’s mass and making it spin slightly faster.

Though these shifts are minuscule in measurement, they may disrupt precise timekeeping systems around the globe. More concerningly, scientists warn that a faster rotation could lead to serious environmental consequences. These include more intense hurricanes, rising sea levels, and catastrophic floods. The increased spin may drive water away from the poles, elevating sea levels by several inches and increasing flood risks.

In a worst-case scenario, if Earth were to rotate 100 miles per hour faster, the day could shrink to just 22 hours. This acceleration might flood equatorial regions with surging polar waters. NASA astronomer Dr. Sten Odenwald has also cautioned that such a change could supercharge weather systems, potentially resulting in more frequent and powerful storms and hurricanes.

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