When we think about the length of days in Earth, we usually assume that they always had 24 hours. However, a recent discovery has revealed that there was a peculiar time in our ancient history when the days were much shorter.
Scientists have found that between two billion years and 600 million years ago, the gradual lengthening of Earth's day was halted for approximately one billion years.
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the cause
This interruption was due to an unusual force that neutralized the influence of the Moon. While Earth's natural satellite normally slows down the planet's rotation with its force gravitational pull, extending the days, in that specific period, the atmospheric tide of the Sun worked against the lunar effect.
This tidal stalemate ensured that the Earth's rotational speed remained constant, keeping the day length at 19.5 hours.
(Image: Ponciano/Pixabay/reproduction)
Had this disruption not occurred, Earth's days would have stretched far beyond the 24 hours we currently know. Researchers estimate that we would have days of around 60 hours.
That significant difference in day length would have had a drastic impact on all aspects of life on Earth, from climate to the evolution of species.
The team of astrophysicists responsible for the discovery analyzed geological evidence and used atmospheric research tools to understand the cause of this peculiar pause in daytime increase. Earth.
They found that the tidal stalemate was a result of the interaction between temperature atmosphericof the planet and the rate of rotation of the Earth.
It is important to highlight that the Moon continues to slow down the planetto this day, albeit at a much lower rate. When the Moon first formed, Earth's days were only 10 hours long.
However, over billions of years, its gravitational pull gradually slowed Earth's rotation, extending the days to the 24 hours we know today. This process continues to occur, with the days becoming slightly longer each century.
the power of gravity
Gravity exerts a powerful influence on Earth, especially through the tidal bulges that occur in the oceans.
The volatility of the tides, for example, is a result of the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun, and this friction with the ocean floor acts as a brake, slowing down the planet's rotation.
However, unlike the Moon, sunlight generates an atmospheric tide that accelerates the Earth's rotation due to the Sun's gravitational influence.
This finding about halting the rise inEarth's Daygives us a fascinating look at how our planet and its cosmic interactions have shaped our history and evolution.
Our understanding of the time and dimensions we live in is intrinsically linked to the cosmic forces that surround us.
As we continue to explore the cosmos, we must remember that our existence is an intricate dance between the heavenly bodies and the forces that govern them.
