Chandler wobble: These two words were part of our last week’s news cycle. But this had nothing to do with the witty Chandler from the popular TV sitcom Friends. The phrase - referring to a minor deviation in the movement of the Earth’s geographical poles—is actually named after American astronomer Seth Carlo Chandler. It is one of the reasons being cited by scientists for Earth recording shorter days more frequently than ever.
On July 26, the planet completed one full spin in 1.50 milliseconds less than 24 hours. It almost broke the record set on June 29 when the day ended 1.59 milliseconds earlier—the shortest day since 1960 when scientists first began using atomic clocks to measure its rotational speed. Interestingly, Chandler wobble is just one possible reason Earth is in a hurry. Some experts also attribute it to climate change-induced surface variations due to melting ice. Whatever the reason, it is clear that the abrupt and irreversible changes that climate change will bring to this planet will be seen over the years now, more than ever—calling for more immediate steps to curb the effects. In India, it is the tech start-ups that are taking charge. I hope you had a good week. We’ll see you again on coming Monday at 9:0 am - The 9th day of Sacrifice month of Muharram in your inbox. Until then have a nice weekend - @Yusuf Bhandarkar www.multimediastudio.net
