Earth's rotation hits record speed: What it means for GPS, timekeeping, and tech
Planet Earth is spinning faster than usual, and while humans won't notice the difference, critical technologies like GPS, internet networks, and financial systems could be affected.
According to scientists, August 5, 2025, is expected to be one of the shortest Earth days on record, with the planet completing its full rotation 1.5 milliseconds faster than the standard 24-hour cycle. That's just a sliver of time, but for systems that rely on split-second accuracy, it could trigger big problems.
How a faster Earth rotation affects technology
Technologies like GPS, high-speed trading platforms, and global communication networks depend on precise timekeeping tied to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). That timing is maintained using atomic clocks synced with Earth's rotation.
Even a small mismatch, just a millisecond, can throw off satellite-based positioning systems by hundreds of meters. That poses risks for autonomous vehicles, aviation, military systems, and global shipping.
Scientists consider first-ever 'negative leap second'
To keep Earth time aligned with atomic time, international timekeepers have occasionally added a 'leap second' since 1972. But now, with Earth's increasing spin, experts are debating a historic first: The subtraction of a second from global time, or a negative leap second.
This proposed adjustment isn't without consequences. In the past, simply adding a leap second caused website crashes, airline disruptions, and issues for major platforms like Reddit. A negative leap second could introduce even more complex software bugs, as most systems were never designed to process the clock moving backward.
Why is Earth spinning faster?
The reason behind Earth's accelerated rotation is still being studied. Research published in Nature in 2024 suggests climate change and glacial melting may play a role. Others, like Space.com, cite changes in the Earth's liquid core, which could be causing the outer layers to rotate faster.
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) is closely monitoring trends. While no official leap second – positive or negative – has been scheduled, experts warn that adjustments may be needed before the end of the decade.
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