Earth’s Rotation Day 2024: January 8 is recognized as Earth Rotation Day every year. Today marks the anniversary of French physicist Leon Foucault's 1851 proof that the Earth revolves on its axis. We are all familiar with the phenomenon of the earth's rotation. It occurs as our planet revolves around the sun on a vertical axis. The theme to observe Earth's Rotation Day in 2024 is 'Honoring the Discovery of Our Planet's Movement'.
Earth’s Rotation Day 2024: History
It has taken philosophers and scientists several years to figure out how the Earth rotated around the sun. The Greeks claimed that the earth rotated on its own back in 470 BC. Several experiments were also conducted to support this claim.
The most notable one was carried out in 1851 by a French physicist by the name of Leon Foucault. He devised a pendulum to demonstrate the earth's rotation about a fixed axis. Because of its notoriety, the experiment was used to demonstrate the phenomenon. Later, it was displayed at the Pantheon in Greece and the Paris Observatory. Even today, this particular experiment is prioritized over the others in some international museums.
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What is the earth’s rotation and its importance?
A hypothetical line that passes directly through the Earth represents the axis around which the Earth rotates. The axis links the North and South Poles. Every 24 hours, the Earth rotates on this nearly vertical axis. However, it does not simply determine the length of our day or year. The earth's rotation also influences the seasons.
Even the Coriolis Effect, which is the defection of air currents, is caused by the earth's rotation. In the Northern hemisphere, the air is deflected to the right (clockwise), and in the Southern hemisphere, it is to the left (anticlockwise). When a high-pressure wind is blown westward from 30 degrees north, trade winds result. When air currents are diverted to the east, westerly winds result.
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Earth’s Rotation Day 2024: Significance
The day's concept and significance are straightforward. In addition to learning more about Foucault's well-known experiment, the purpose is to celebrate the phenomenon. Children all over the world learn about this phenomenon with great enthusiasm and are curious to learn more.
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Earth’s Rotation Day 2024: Significant Facts
- The diameter of the Earth is 12,714 kilometres (7,900 miles) from the North to the South Poles and 12,756 kilometres (12,756 miles) through the equator (7,926 miles).
- The day on Earth is getting longer.
- For millions of years, there has been a cyclical relationship between the continents of Earth.
- To shield us from the damaging effects of solar radiation, the molten iron core of the Earth generates a powerful magnetic field that directs solar wind around the planet.
- 70% of the surface of the Earth is covered by water. Only 3% of that is freshwater, with 97% being saltwater!
- Scientists have determined the age of the planet be just under 4.5 billion years by examining rocks from various parts of the world.
- The most recent ice advance on Earth started around 70,000 years ago and ended 11,500 years ago. Its greatest extent was reached 18,000 years ago.
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