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Jul 03rd

Earth's rotation is slowing, so what are scientists doing about it?

Saturday, 30 June 2012 12:00
BY CHRISTINE SAVOIA
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

We still have several months to see if the Aztec calendar does indeed spell out the end of the world, but researchers have discovered that the earth may already be slowing its rotation.

According to Space.com, researchers studying the position of the stars determined the earth’s rotation is “ever so slightly slowing down at a non-uniform rate, probably attributable to its sloshing molten core, the rolling of the oceans, the melting of polar ice and the effects of solar and lunar gravity.”

As a result of this, our transition from June to July on Saturday night will be slowed down by a “leap second,” which will let us catch up to super accurate time clocks. The data from these two hundred atomic clocks in over fifty national laboratories is used to calculate International Atomic Time (TAI).

The long-term stability of TAI is assured by a judicious way of weighting the participating clocks, according to the Bureau International de Poids at Mesures; the BIPM’s goal is to ensure world-wide uniformity of measurements and their traceability to the International System of Units (SI).

Space.com reports that atomic time, as calculated by the BIPM, “is measured through vibrations of atoms in a metal isotope that resembles mercury and can keep time to within a tenth of a billionth of a second per day.”

This leads not only to extremely accurate time measurement, but enhanced navigation and communication systems.

Saturday night, the master clock at the United States Naval Observatory will be adjusted at 7:59:60 p.m. EST to put the earth four-tenths of a second ahead of the clock, essentially giving it a head’s start.

Blame global warming or call it part of the earth's natural progression, but do make sure to enjoy that 61 second minute. Just don't miss it.

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