Scientists Are Discussing Shortening Our Days By Making A Minute Last Only 59 Seconds

The Earth has been completing its rotation in under 24 hours over the past year and it’s getting worse in 2021.

“It’s quite possible that a negative leap second will be needed if the Earth’s rotation rate increases further, but it’s too early to say if this is likely to happen,” Peter Whibberley, senior research scientist with the National Physical Laboratory’s time and frequency group, recently told the Telegraph.

The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (What a name?), based in Paris, is charged with declaring planned leap seconds to the world.   Some argue that the practice of adding and removing seconds to correct time may be causing more confusion than good.  In 2012, an added leap second caused server crashes across a number of internet sites, including Reddit, Yelp and LinkedIn, while also disrupting those who use Linux operating systems and software using Javascript.

A final decision on this matter is reportedly expected to come at the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023. Stay tuned.