Aviation

Earth’s 2nd Shortest Day in 2025: Why It's Spinning Faster

On July 22, 2025, Earth recorded its second-shortest day ever, spinning slightly faster than the usual 24-hour cycle. Scientists observed the planet’s rotation shortening by 1.34 milliseconds due to complex natural factors, including lunar gravitational effects, climate-driven mass redistribution, and inner core dynamics. While imperceptible to people, these changes have significant implications for precision timekeeping, satellite systems, and global technology infrastructure. Researchers continue to monitor Earth’s rotation as these rare occurrences become more frequent.