Most people know that the Earth revolves around the Sun every 24 hours. However many people are unaware that the speed at which the Earth rotates varies slightly. A day can sometimes seem longer or shorter than you think. The nuclear clocks, that maintain the standard time, have to be adjusted on a regular basis by adding or subtracting a second. This change is called the leap second. This article will explain how this change happens, and why it’s important to our daily schedules.

Precession is a typical rotating event. It is the cyclical wiggle in Earth’s axis, similar to the toy top spinning slightly off-center. The change in axial direction relative to fixed stars (inertial space) is observed for a period of 25,771.5 years. It’s also responsible in changing the direction of cyclones within the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Other rotating events include free nutation, the Chandler wobble, and polar movement.

The speed of the rotator can be affected by other factors such as weather conditions, earthquakes and other periodic events. If the core of the Earth is rotating faster, the day appears to be shorter. This change is due to the tidal force that acts on the Earth’s surfaces as well as gravitational pulls of other large objects in the Solar System such as Jupiter and Saturn. This is the reason it’s crucial to consider the Earth’s rotational rate when designing fun park rides such as Ferris wheels and Carousels.