HONEY I SHRUNK THE DAY Earth records ‘shortest day EVER’ after scientists reveal planet ‘spinning faster’
by Sean Keach
EARTH has recorded its shortest day since records began – but did you even notice?
A faster spin meant that Earth’s usual 24-hour rotation was 1.59 milliseconds shorter.
The fast-paced spin occurred on June 29, creating a headache for time-watchers.
That’s because Earth’s rotation is usually slowing down.
In fact we’ve had to add 27 “leap seconds” in the last 50 years to keep global clocks in check.
Clocks paused most recently in 2016 to account for this strange astronomical effect.
Now Earth’s spin appears to be speeding up and scientists aren’t exactly sure why.
Usually days get longer – albeit only very slightly.