World set for second shortest day on record on Tuesday
The latest estimate is that July 22 will end an imperceptible 1.34 milliseconds off the full 86,400 seconds or 24 hours, according to the US Naval Observatory and the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS).
That's a fraction of a blink of an eye, which lasts around 100 milliseconds. Blink and you'll miss it, in other words.
But there is even a chance that July 22 could end up breaking the record for the shortest-ever day, which was clocked on July 5 last year.
Either way, July 22 is just the latest in a series of shorter days this year as Earth spins faster than usual.
If the trend continues, it will require an adjustment to clocks sometime down the line, perhaps by shaving off a second by 2029. After all, real time and time recorded on atomic clocks has to match up as best as can be achieved, as communications devices and satellites could otherwise be thrown off-kilter.
Records have only been kept since 1973, following the invention of atomic clocks accurate and precise enough to allow for such detailed and intricate timekeeping.
Why Earth is spinning more quickly remains unknown, though scientists have said the most likely explanation lies deep inside the planet - in the inner and outer cores.
Earth's inner core, which is believed to be a solid ball of iron and nickel with its own rotation, was last year reported to have slowed down, according to research published in the journal Nature.
Other researchers have detected changes to the Earth's magnetic field, such as a potential weakening that could leave the planet more vulnerable to solar storms. The field is thought to be generated by the Earth's outer core, which appears to be made up of molten metals and acts like a giant dynamo.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The Most Abundant ‘Bird Of Prey' In The World. Hint: More Than 5 Million Exist, But You Won't Find Any In North America
Raptors, also known as 'birds of prey,' are not nearly as common as their less confrontational ... More cousins, like the sparrow, starling or swallow. Here's the raptor that you're most likely to find in the wild, assuming you don't live in the Americas. Generally speaking, there are three groups of raptors. One is 'accipitriformes.' These are diurnal (daytime) raptors and include hawks, eagles, kites, vultures and harriers. There's also 'strigiformes.' These are nocturnal (nighttime) raptors and include all species of owls. Then there's 'falconiformes.' This class comprises all falcon species – which, although also diurnal, are genetically distinct from eagles, hawks and the other accipitriformes. Some ornithologists might get fancier with their raptor classifications – possibly further subdividing these to highlight the evolutionary uniqueness of new world vultures, the secretarybird and the osprey – but the delineation above works as a general rule of thumb. Remember, what separates raptors from all other bird species is their carnivorous diet and hunting ability, including sharp talons, hooked beaks, keen eyesight and powerful flight muscles. However, these traits don't necessarily reflect shared ancestry. For example, falcons are more closely related to songbirds than to other raptor lineages. Of all of these raptor species, the most abundant is the black kite. Here's the story of the world's most common bird of prey. (Sidebar: Fascinated by remarkable birds? See here to meet the world's rarest eagle, and here to learn about the oldest known bird still alive today.) The Black Kite - The Most Common In A Class Of Rarities Black Kite (Milvus migrans). Abundant, adaptable, and widespread, the black kite (Milvus migrans) is a unique raptor. While many birds of prey are elusive, rare, or highly specialized, black kites thrive across a variety of environments, with an estimated population of more than 5 million individuals worldwide. That makes them the most numerous raptor on the planet. You won't find black kites in the Americas, however. Their range covers much of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Black kites belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes hawks, eagles, harriers and other kites. They inhabit a variety of environments, from open countryside and wetlands to urban areas. In cities, they are often seen soaring above garbage dumps, marketplaces and riverbanks, scavenging for scraps and small prey. This opportunistic feeding strategy sets black kites apart from more specialized raptors that rely primarily on hunting live prey. Their diet is famously varied: carrion, small mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and even stolen food from other birds. They are known for their intelligence and nimbleness, often stealing food mid-air from other birds, a behavior called kleptoparasitism. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Raptor Research, black kites at a landfill in Rome relied heavily on kleptoparasitism to get their meals – stealing food in more than 75% of observed feeding attempts. Most thefts targeted gulls, which were abundant and easy to rob, though kites also stole from each other. Researchers found that this strategy became more common and effective as kite numbers grew, especially later in the breeding season. Unlike many raptors that are solitary or live in pairs, black kites are often highly social. They congregate in large groups, especially at roosting sites where thousands may gather to rest overnight. These communal roosts provide safety in numbers and opportunities for social learning. During migration, black kites form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. These spectacles are a favorite among birdwatchers worldwide. Black kites share the hallmark raptor features that make birds of prey such efficient hunters. They have sharp, curved talons and hooked beaks designed for tearing flesh. Their eyesight is exceptionally keen, capable of spotting small prey or carrion from high in the air. Their long wings and forked tail give black kites exceptional maneuverability, allowing them to ride thermal currents for hours and conserve energy during long-distance travel. Thanks to their global abundance and wide distribution, they provide a valuable model for studying population structure and variation in migratory behavior across a broad geographic range. A black kite in flight. Some populations migrate thousands of kilometers between breeding and ... More wintering grounds, while others remain year-round residents. According to research published in Ethology Ecology & Evolution and the Journal of Avian Biology, their movement patterns vary across regions, with some Palearctic populations migrating long distances while others, particularly in India and Australia, remain year-round residents. GPS tracking has confirmed that individuals from northern Asia overwinter in South and Southeast Asia, while tropical populations tend to stay put. These regional differences are reflected in their genetics. DNA analyses show that populations from Europe, northern Asia, India, and Australia carry distinct haplogroups, suggesting historical separation and limited gene flow. A 2024 Zootaxa study found that Indian and Australian kites likely diverged at the end of the last Ice Age and no longer share haplotypes. Meanwhile, African populations, especially the yellow-billed kite, are genetically distinct enough that many researchers now consider them a separate species. Altogether, these findings point to a complex evolutionary history shaped by geography, climate shifts, and variable migration strategies. While many raptors face threats from habitat loss, pollution and persecution, the black kite has so far maintained stable populations across much of its range. Its ability to exploit human-altered landscapes has certainly helped. Their success story offers a striking contrast to the fate of many other raptors, which often decline in the face of urbanization. The black kite stands out as a reminder that adaptability is a powerful survival strategy. They may not be the rarest or most iconic raptor, but in terms of resilience, global reach, and sheer numbers, no other bird of prey comes close. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Scientists develop revolutionary method to keep dangerous toxins out of rivers and lakes: 'It holds strong potential'
Scientists develop revolutionary method to keep dangerous toxins out of rivers and lakes: 'It holds strong potential' Scientists have created a new water treatment material that can more efficiently purify water for release and extract phosphorus for industrial purposes. According to research on the revolutionary material, published in Springer Nature, the researchers propose the use of "urchin-like La/Cu-Fe3O4 nanocapsules featuring perpendicular La/Cu nanosheets surrounding an Fe3O4 nanosphere core." The material can efficiently remove phosphorus from wastewater to ensure it's pure enough to be released into rivers and lakes. Wastewater must be treated before release, and much of that process involves removing phosphorus, which causes green algae growth, and disinfecting microorganisms like total coliform. The new material accomplishes both highly efficiently. And, the retrieved phosphorus is a valuable industrial material used to make fertilizers, cleaning agents, and detergents. According to TechXplore, the system operates without electricity by using a magnetic field to move the material with precision. This reduces energy consumption by over 99% compared to traditional treatment methods, decreasing energy costs and carbon emissions. "The key to our research is the rapid recovery of phosphorus from sea urchin structural materials and the implementation of a process that precisely controls particles in water with magnetic fields," said Dr. Youngkyun Jung, first author of the study, per TechXplore. The treatment can be implemented in water purification plants, sewage treatment plants, and industrial wastewater treatment sites. The treated water can be used in precision agriculture, smart farms, eco-friendly industrial parks, and public water and sewage systems, helping to improve water security. "It holds strong potential for future expansion into multifunctional water treatment platforms," Jung explained, per TechXplore. This incredible technology can reduce the cost and time it takes to properly treat water for release or recycling. It could work with emergency purification systems for natural disasters, mobile facilities for underdeveloped countries, and portable water treatment devices. This would make water more accessible and affordable to those in need, reducing water scarcity around the world. On top of helping people get usable water, the technology also helps the planet. It ensures harmful materials — like the microorganisms in wastewater — don't pollute lakes and rivers. The eco-friendly system will reduce planet-warming emissions created during the treatment process, helping work toward a cleaner, cooler future. The material has been successfully tested in labs, so the next step is likely further development and eventually pilot projects. How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Scientists make alarming discovery after attaching GoPro cameras to polar bears in the Arctic — here's what's happening
Scientists make alarming discovery after attaching GoPro cameras to polar bears in the Arctic — here's what's happening The large amounts of melting sea ice due to rising global temperatures are impacting polar bears' ability to hunt for seals, forcing them to adapt to new ways of finding food. However, these alternative food options are much less nutritious and scarce, resulting in cases of alarming weight loss, Glass Almanac reported. What's happening? A group of Canadian scientists attached GoPro cameras to GPS collars on 20 polar bears in the Hudson Bay area in northeastern Canada. The scientists studied the footage and observed how polar bears are adapting to rapidly melting sea ice. Over three years, the scientists observed how polar bears are collectively losing an alarming amount of weight. Of the 20 bears studied, 19 lost an average of 46 pounds over three weeks, according to Glass Almanac. The loss of sea ice directly affects the bears' ability to hunt for seals, an important food source that provides the bears with high-fat food for energy and warmth, allowing the bears to weather the cold, hunt for more food, and survive. The footage shows the polar bears increasingly turning to food on land as hunting for seals becomes more difficult. On average, polar bears "now spend up to three weeks more on land each year compared to the early 1980s, when the ice was more stable and reliable for hunting," per the Glass Almanac. However, food on land — bird carcasses, berries, and other marine animals — does not provide the bears with enough nutrition to continue hunting and survive, leading to alarming rates of weight loss. Why is melting sea ice concerning? Rising global temperatures are melting sea ice rapidly, which contributes to rising sea levels. This can endanger coastal cities, putting them at risk of flooding or storm surges, and threatening the destruction of coastal infrastructure. Increased global temperatures are also causing more water to evaporate, making extreme weather conditions, like heavy rains, winds, and storms, more frequent and intense. New Mexico, a traditionally dry climate, has been experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding — as many states have recently. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's being done about rising sea levels? Slowing the rate of global temperature increase can help keep sea levels at a safer level, mitigating the incidence and risk of extreme weather events. It also prevents sea ice from disappearing, allowing polar bears to continue hunting for food as they've done for generations. On an individual level, you can effect change by educating yourself, family, and friends about critical climate issues and voting for climate-conscious leaders that put the health of the community and the planet at the forefront of their legislative efforts. In a similar vein, find local organizations doing good and important work, and volunteer your time, money, or effort to support your community and the larger planet's climate resiliency. Each effort toward a healthier, more sustainable planet helps preserve the health and natural beauty of the world, ensuring future generations may get to live and experience the planet as we once did. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword