The Earth’s rotation is changing at an unprecedented rate, and this may lead timekeepers to consider subtracting a second from world clocks around 2029. This unique situation has been influenced by a combination of global power politics, physics, and technology.
The slowing down of Earth’s rotation over thousands of years has created a discrepancy between astronomical time and atomic clocks, which have remained consistent. As a result, leap seconds have been added to ensure accuracy. However, the melting of ice at the Earth’s poles has temporarily delayed the need for a negative leap second by about three years.
Scientists attribute the Earth’s fluctuating rotation to changes in its hot liquid core and the ongoing melting of ice at the poles. This has posed challenges for computer systems in the past, causing disruptions for tech companies and airlines that rely on precise timekeeping.
Efforts are underway to revise the standards for adjusting leap seconds in the 2030s to address these issues. Some experts believe that a negative leap second may not even be necessary, as Earth’s rotation trends are unpredictable in the long term.
This upcoming potential change in world clocks serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between the Earth’s natural processes and the modern technology that relies on precise timekeeping. Stay tuned as scientists and timekeepers work to navigate this complex issue in the years to come.
