Precise measurements by the International Council for Rotation and Reference Systems revealed an exceptional phenomenon on July 9, 2025 – the shortest day documented in sixty years. Earth completed its full rotation with surprising acceleration, reducing the standard duration by 1.6 milliseconds.
Scientific analyses point to complex astronomical factors as the main cause of this unusual phenomenon. Specialists link the phenomenon to the unique positioning of the Moon – its reaching the apogee and maximum angle relative to the Earth's equator.
Unlike traditional expectations, where geophysical processes usually lead to a slowdown in rotation, the current case demonstrates exactly the opposite tendency. Such unexpected acceleration raises serious questions for modern metrology and time measurement.
The expert community is already discussing radical technical solutions, including the introduction of the so-called "negative leap second". This precise mechanism aims to synchronize official time with real planetary dynamics.
Although the phenomenon seems technical, its potential consequences are significant. Critical infrastructure systems such as GPS navigation, telecommunications networks, and power distribution platforms will need to adapt their precise calculations to the new time parameters.