Rotating Events in Our Time

https://northcentralrotary.org/2021/07/13/generated-post-2/

The majority of people are aware that the Earth revolves around the Sun every 24 hours. However it is not widely known that the speed of rotation is not the same every day. This means that a day could sometimes feel longer or shorter than anticipated. That is why the clocks made of atomic energy that keep a standard time must be regularly adjusted by adding or subtracting a second. This change is known as the leap second. This article will explain what a leap second is and why it’s crucial to our daily routines.

One of the most common rotating events is precession, a oscillation of Earth’s axis, much as a spinny, slightly off-center toy top. The change in axial direction relative to fixed stars (inertial spaces) is a period of 25,771.5. This is also responsible for the direction of cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. Other rotating events include the Chandler wobble as well as free nutation and Polar motion.

In addition to these recurring events, the rotator’s velocity can be affected by weather conditions and other elements such as earthquakes. If the core of the Earth is rotating faster, the day will feel shorter. This is due to tides acting on the surface of the Earth as well as gravitational pulls from other objects within the Solar System, such as Jupiter and Saturn. This is why it’s important to take into account the Earth’s rotational rate when designing fun park rides like Ferris wheels and Carousels.