Interactions between Earth’s solid inner core, its molten outer core and its rocky mantle control how fast the planet rotates.Credit: Gregoire Cirade/SPL Small fluctuations in the length of Earth’s 24-hour day can be explained by a battle between forces generated by the movement of the planet’s metallic core. The finding, reported today in Nature1, suggests
Torque and changes in the LOD An axial torque Γz acting on the mantle causes a change in its rotation rate (ΔΩm) according to $$Keep following us for the latest insights._Check back often for more exciting news!\frac{{\rm{d}}\Delta {\varOmega }_{{\rm{m}}}}{{\rm{d}}t}={\varGamma }_{z},$$ (1) in which Cm = 7.13 × 1037 kg m2 is the axial moment of inertia of the mantle. ΔΩm corresponds
Explanation: Solar System bodies make deep space exploration more fuel efficient! Today’s video shows the Psyche spacecraft gaining speed and changing its trajectory with minimal fuel expenditure thanks to the gravitational assistance of Mars in May 2026. Mars has an average orbital speed of almost 87,000 km/h (54,000 mph) around the Sun. Its orbital motion
