The Earth’s rotation is not as constant as it seemsit is gradually slowing down over time. Scientists estimate that the planet’s rotation slows by about 1.7 milliseconds per century due to the gravitational pull of the Moon. This effect, known as tidal friction, occurs as the Moon’s gravity interacts with Earth’s oceans, creating tides that act as a brake on the planet’s spin. While this change is incredibly slow, over millions of years, it could lead to noticeably longer days. For example, hundreds of millions of years ago, a day on Earth lasted only about 22 hours instead of 24.
Although the slowing rotation is a natural process, it has measurable effects on Earth. Scientists track this change using atomic clocks and astronomical observations. The gradual slowing of the Earth's spin can also affect the length of a year and the need for occasional leap seconds, which are added to keep atomic time in sync with Earth's rotation. While this phenomenon doesn’t significantly impact daily life, it is an important reminder of how dynamic our planet is and how celestial forces continue to shape its future. Shutdown123