July 9th, 2024

Earth's inner core rotation has begun moving backwards

The Earth's inner core rotation is slowing down and moving backwards, puzzling scientists about its effects on the planet's magnetic field and day length. Ongoing research aims to unravel these complex interactions.

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Earth's inner core rotation has begun moving backwards

The Earth's inner core rotation has been observed to be moving backwards, indicating a slow deceleration in its movement. Dr. John Vidale's research from the University of Southern California confirms this unexpected shift, raising questions about its implications for the planet. The inner core, a solid metal ball deep within the Earth, has intrigued scientists for its unique characteristics, including its rotation speed and direction. Recent studies suggest a 70-year cycle of changes in rotational speed, with the core currently spinning slower and even moving in reverse relative to the fluid layers around it. This phenomenon could impact Earth's magnetic field and potentially affect the length of a day. While the research sheds light on the inner workings of our planet, further interdisciplinary investigations are needed to fully understand the complexities of the Earth's core and its interconnectedness with other geological processes.

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By @birdiesanders - 5 months
This is the kind of thing a younger version of me would have fantasized about, made theories as to the meaning, etc. Old me just said out loud “huh, you’d figure that would mean something, but guess not.”