This phenomenon could affect cell phones. On July 29, the Earth completed its rotation 1.59 milliseconds before its standard time. Surprise in the experts.
Planet Earth recorded its shortest day since records began, but it’s entirely possible we didn’t realize it.
According to a recent study, on July 29, our planet completed its rotation movement 1.59 milliseconds before its standard time, setting a new record in the archives and surprising experts on the subject.
A faster spin meant that Earth’s usual 24-hour rotation was 1.59 milliseconds shorter.
Although the change did not produce any variation in the rhythm of life of humanity, it could cause serious problems in technological devices. Especially on your cell phone. Here the curious reason behind it.
What has been the shortest day in history?
According to a report taken up by The Telegraph newspaper, the shortest day in history was Friday, July 29, 2022. This after the time it takes for the Earth to turn on its own axis ended 1.59 milliseconds before Its duration is approximately 24 hours.
Although the precise causes behind this acceleration in the rotational movement of our planet have not yet been specified, experts have pointed to the “Chandler Wobble” -a variation in the axis of rotation caused by the irregular movement of the geographical poles of the Earth – as the main explanation.
It should be noted that, contrary to what is established by scientific postulates, the change in the speed at which the planet rotates has been constant in recent years. On July 19, 2020, it was possible to identify that the day had lasted 1.47 milliseconds less. This difference grew to 1.50 milliseconds just one week later, on July 26.
But the record only stands for recorded history: Scientists believe that days were even shorter during the time of the dinosaurs.
Many factors can affect the speed of Earth’s rotation, including weather and geological movements.
Why would a change in the Earth’s rotation affect your cell phone?
Although humans, animals and plants will not be affected by a tiny change in the Earth’s rotation, a decrease in the length of days could have a “devastating effect” on technological devices.
Some technological creations, including cell phones, take the time system of atomic clocks as their time reference. When there is an alteration in the patterns, the programs are forced to introduce negative leap seconds to compensate for the lost time.
However, this action is not immediately recognized by computer systems, causing processing problems at its core. If the introduction of negative leap seconds does not stop, the software could begin to experience irreparable damage, reducing the lifetime of objects and making them obsolete.