Earth is slowing down its rotation - What awaits the length of days in the coming years

Scientists are recording a gradual slowdown in Earth's rotation, which may lead to an increase in the length of a day. Research shows that this process has been ongoing for millions of years, but recent observations indicate its acceleration. What consequences await our planet in the coming decades?

Why is Earth slowing down?

The slowing of Earth's rotation is caused by several factors. The main one is the gravitational influence of the Moon. Tidal friction occurring between the oceans and the Earth's crust gradually slows down the planet's movement. Additionally, the redistribution of mass on Earth, caused by melting glaciers and climate change, also affects the rotation speed.

How will the length of a day change?

According to specialists' estimates, by 2050 the length of a day will increase by approximately 0.002 seconds. Although this change seems insignificant, it can affect the accuracy of atomic clocks and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). To adjust time, it may be necessary to add extra "leap seconds" more frequently.

What will be the consequences?

Although the impact on people's daily lives will be minimal, scientific and technological systems may face certain difficulties. For example:

• Astronomical observations will require time recalculations for measurement accuracy.

• Satellite systems will need to account for the changing speed of Earth's rotation.

• Climate changes may introduce additional adjustments to weather condition modeling.

What awaits Earth in the future?

The slowing of Earth's rotation is an inevitable process. Over time, the length of a day will continue to increase, and in millions of years, it may reach 25 hours. However, for humanity, this remains a barely noticeable phenomenon that scientists are closely monitoring.

One way or another, even such small changes show how dynamic and changeable our planet remains.