Earth is spinning faster than it used to, and scientists are now considering an unusual solution: removing a second from our clocks.
On July 10, 2025, the planet completed its rotation 1.36 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. It wasn’t a one-time fluke. Researchers say this trend could continue, forcing timekeepers to introduce a negative leap second — something that’s never been done before.
For decades, we’ve added leap seconds to keep atomic clocks aligned with Earth’s slightly wobbly spin. But now, Earth is spinning faster, flipping the rulebook. Instead of adding time, scientists may have to delete it.
That could spell trouble. A negative leap second could confuse digital systems that rely on precise time, from stock trades to satellites. Unlike adding a second, taking one away isn’t something most systems are built to handle.
So why is Earth spinning faster? Scientists believe it could be a mix of factors: shifting winds, glacial melt, earthquakes, or even movements deep within Earth’s core. No one knows for sure, but the changes are real and measurable.
The International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) is monitoring the situation closely. Experts say the first negative leap second might be needed by 2035. Until then, engineers are preparing, just in case.
Most of us won’t feel a few milliseconds here or there. But behind the scenes, Earth spinning faster is quietly challenging how we track time — and reminding us that even time isn’t set in stone.
