Rotating Events in Our Time
Many people are aware that Earth revolves around the Sun each 24 hours. However, not everyone knows that the speed at which the Earth rotates can vary. This means that a day could be shorter or longer than anticipated. The nuclear clocks, that maintain standard time, must be adjusted every few days by adding or subtracting one second. This change is known as a leap second. This article will clarify what is a leap second and why it is important to our daily routines.
Precession is a normal rotating event. It is the cyclical wiggle in the axis of Earth, similar to a toy that spins slightly off-center. The change in axial direction relative to fixed stars (inertial spaces) has a duration of 25,771.5. It’s also responsible for changing the directions of cyclones across the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Other rotating events include the Chandler wobble as well as free nutation and polar motion.
The speed of the rotator is affected by other variables, including weather conditions, earthquakes and other events that occur regularly. If the core of the Earth moves faster, a day can feel shorter. This change is due to tidal force that is acting on the Earth’s surface as well as gravitational pulls from other large objects within the Solar System such as Jupiter and Saturn. This is the reason the Earth’s rotational speed must be accounted for when designing fun park rides like Ferris wheels and carousels.