Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains the REAL Length of Day
StarTalk・15 minutes read
Earth's rotation lasts 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds, causing variations in solar day length. Leap seconds are added to maintain a consistent 24-hour day to account for Earth's orbit and tidal influences.
Insights
- Earth's rotation takes 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds, not a full 24 hours, impacting our daily lives structured around the solar day.
- Variations in Earth's rotation, influenced by factors like tides and mass distribution changes, necessitate the addition of leap seconds to maintain a consistent 24-hour day, showcasing the meticulous management of time and the scientific complexities involved.
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Recent questions
How long does it take for Earth to rotate on its axis?
Earth takes 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds to rotate on its axis, not the commonly known 24 hours.
What causes variations in the length of a solar day throughout the year?
Earth's orbit not being a perfect circle causes variations in the length of a solar day throughout the year.
How do tides on the ocean floor influence Earth's rotation?
Tides on the ocean floor, influenced by the moon, slow down Earth's rotation.
How are leap seconds added to maintain a consistent 24-hour day?
Leap seconds are added internationally when Earth's rotation falls behind, occurring on June 30th or December 31st.
How can mass distribution affect Earth's rotation speed?
Skaters' movements illustrate how changing mass distribution can alter rotation speed.
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