Many people are aware that Earth rotates around the Sun every 24 hours. However many people are unaware that the speed of rotation can vary. It is possible for a day to appear longer or shorter than you would expect. This is why the timekeeping atomic clocks which maintain standardized time have to be periodically adjusted by adding or subtracting seconds. This is referred to as a leap second. This article will explain what a leap second is and why it is important to our daily schedules.
Precession is a normal rotating event. It is the cyclical wobble on the axis of the Earth, similar to a toy top that rotates slightly off-center. This axial shift relative to fixed https://northcentralrotary.org/2021/07/13/generated-post-2 stars (inertial spaces) has a duration of 25,771.5. It’s also responsible in 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.
In addition to these recurring events, the rotator’s velocity can be affected by weather conditions and other elements such as earthquakes. If the core of the Earth rotates faster, then the day appears to be shorter. This change is caused by tides acting on the surface of the Earth as well as gravity pulls from other objects within the Solar System, such as Jupiter and Saturn. This is the reason why Earth’s rotational speed needs to be considered when creating fun park rides like Ferris wheels and carousels.