A new study suggests that due to melting polar ice altering the Earth's rotation, a negative leap second will need to be subtracted from global timekeeping in the next couple of years. This unprecedented event is influenced by global warming, which has delayed the date from 2026 to 2029.
Earth's rotation, which determines our hours and minutes, is not constant and can change slightly based on surface and core activities. The need for leap seconds arises to align atomic clocks with the planet's rotation, as they slowly diverge over time.
Melting polar ice, driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels, has become a significant factor in slowing down Earth's rotation. As ice melts into the ocean, the redistribution of mass affects the planet's spin, akin to a figure skater adjusting their speed.
While ice melt plays a role, changes in the Earth's core are also impacting its rotation. The liquid core spinning independently of the solid outer shell can cause fluctuations in rotation speed, which are currently speeding up the Earth's spin.
Despite the potential challenges for precision computing systems, most people will not be significantly affected by the subtraction of a second. However, the study serves as a reminder of the profound impact human activities can have on the planet, as evidenced by measurable changes in Earth's rotation due to ice melt.
