12.29.2004
time
So I used to think that I didn't have time for certain things. This remains true: I don't have time to read War and Peace, I don't have time to play Nintendo all day. I am running out of time to go to my friend's wedding, and it's difficult for me to see how I'll be able to go. Which is sad, because I really want to. Darnit...
And now there's this. Not only am I trying to pack more into a day, but the days are, in fact, getting shorter. Not the daylight, which is getting longer and longer thanks to our having passed the winter solstice. But the days themselves, the period of rotation around our axis, is shorter. Seriously. Here is the story from the Chicago Tribune. Since it is available by subscription (free subscription, but nevertheless), I will also reproduce it for you here.
Aftermath of the earthquake: Shorter days
Published December 28, 2004
Incredibly, the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck off Sumatra on Sunday morning caused a vertical displacement of so much material that the rotation period of the Earth has been permanently altered. By a tiny but measurable amount, the Earth is now rotating more quickly on its axis, and the 24-hour day is now one ten-thousandth second shorter.That's the result of calculations based on preliminary data made by Oak Park astronomer Dr. Leslie M. Golden. It's analogous to the increase in rotational speed that a twirling ice skater experiences when he or she draws in their arms. It is estimated that during the Sumatran quake, a block of material roughly 600 miles in length and 100 miles in width fell 30 feet closer to the Earth's axis of rotation. The planet has responded by rotating more rapidly, albeit ever so slightly, and our 24-hour days are now one ten-thousandth second shorter.
Reprinted entirely without permission.
And now there's this. Not only am I trying to pack more into a day, but the days are, in fact, getting shorter. Not the daylight, which is getting longer and longer thanks to our having passed the winter solstice. But the days themselves, the period of rotation around our axis, is shorter. Seriously. Here is the story from the Chicago Tribune. Since it is available by subscription (free subscription, but nevertheless), I will also reproduce it for you here.
Aftermath of the earthquake: Shorter days
Published December 28, 2004
Incredibly, the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck off Sumatra on Sunday morning caused a vertical displacement of so much material that the rotation period of the Earth has been permanently altered. By a tiny but measurable amount, the Earth is now rotating more quickly on its axis, and the 24-hour day is now one ten-thousandth second shorter.That's the result of calculations based on preliminary data made by Oak Park astronomer Dr. Leslie M. Golden. It's analogous to the increase in rotational speed that a twirling ice skater experiences when he or she draws in their arms. It is estimated that during the Sumatran quake, a block of material roughly 600 miles in length and 100 miles in width fell 30 feet closer to the Earth's axis of rotation. The planet has responded by rotating more rapidly, albeit ever so slightly, and our 24-hour days are now one ten-thousandth second shorter.
Reprinted entirely without permission.
