Earth, discovery incredible: days lasted less than half | The oceans have made them longer, and soon they will be 25 hours – CUENEWS

Earth: The days were very short: the oceans have lengthened them, and they were soon 25 hours long.

there Earth, our blue planet, is a fascinating and complex place. One of its most interesting features is that it is not static. The Earth is in constant motion, not only in space but also rotating on itself. This Rotational motion It is responsible for the 24-hour cycle of day and night that characterizes our daily lives. However, this cycle is not always the same and slowly changes over time.

Earth's rotational motion is not the only significant motion. Our planet also revolves around an elliptical orbit the sun, a journey lasts approximately 365.25 days, thus defining a year. This combination of rotation and revolution It creates the seasons and greatly influences the climate and environment. But what happens if Earth's rotation period changes? Well, scientists have found that this is already happening.

Measure time It is a practice that mankind has perfected over thousands of years. We use Atomic clocksIt is incredibly accurate Monitor i changes At the very least At Earth's rotational speed. Surprisingly, the data collected shows that the length of days is getting longer, albeit very slowly. This length This is caused by various factorsincluding the gravitational interaction with the Moon and changes in Earth's oceans.

The Oceans plays an important role in this process. The moon's gravity causes tides, which create friction as water moves across Earth's surface. This friction gradually slows down the planet's rotation. Also, events like Melting glaciers And sea-level rise will change Earth's mass distribution, further affecting rotation rates. But how much do we talk? How long will it take before we notice a significant change?

Discovery: Days become 25 hours

Scientists They have calculated that in the not so distant future, the length of a day on Earth may be as long as 25 hours. Currently, days are getting longer by 1.8 milliseconds per century, a small increase to accumulate Significant effects In millions of years. According to experts, it could take about 200 million years for us to get an extra hour in our day.

This length is mainly due to the friction created by it waves. The Moon, with its gravitational pull, creates a bulge in the Earth's oceans, which “Wave swelling“, which is just before the stance The moon itself. This swelling creates friction on the ocean floor, slowing Earth's rotation. It is a slow but inevitable process that started millions of years ago.

The role of the oceans and the moon

contacts Earth, the Moon, and the oceans not only slow the rotation of the planet, but also shape its evolution. A billion years ago, a day lasted only about 19 hours. The Moon, moving slowly away from the Earth, has a significant influence on this phenomenon. The energy transferred from the tides to the Moon results in a decrease in Earth's rotational speed and an increase in lunar distance.

Measurement of time Understanding these phenomena is important for scientists studying planetary dynamics. The use of atomic clocks and other advanced instruments made it possible to accurately monitor changes in the Earth's rotation. These studies not only help us better understand our planet's past, but also help us predict how it will evolve in the future. As we prepare for a future where the days are longer, we will continue to explore the wonders of Earth and the complex web of forces that govern its movement.