Why are we about to have one of the shortest days ever?

• The Earth is currently spinning at its fastest rate since records began, with 5 August predicted to be one of the shortest days ever measured.
• The shortest day on record occurred on 5 July 2024, measuring 1.66 milliseconds shorter than the average 24-hour rotation.
• While the Moon's gravity typically slows Earth's rotation, there is no conclusive reason for the current acceleration, though melting polar ice caps are a suggested factor.
• Scientists have proposed introducing a 'negative leap second' to compensate for the lost time, which would require adjusting all global clocks.
• This would be the first time a second has been subtracted, raising concerns among experts about potential unprecedented problems for current computing infrastructure.

IN FULL

Earth is spinning faster and is about to see one of its shortest days ever