How fast does the earth spin around its axis?

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SUMMARY

The Earth rotates approximately 360 degrees once every 24 hours, translating to a rotational speed of about 15 degrees per hour or 1,000 miles per hour at the equator. This consistent rotation leads to the perception of day length, which is not directly correlated with the speed of rotation. The distinction between sidereal and solar days is crucial, as the Earth completes a full rotation in relation to distant stars (sidereal) rather than the sun (solar). Variations in the Earth's rotational rate occur over time, but for practical discussions, it is accurate to state that the Earth spins once per day.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic astronomy concepts, including rotation and revolution.
  • Familiarity with the definitions of sidereal and solar days.
  • Knowledge of Earth's rotational speed and its implications on timekeeping.
  • Basic grasp of angular velocity and its measurement.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between sidereal and solar days in detail.
  • Explore the effects of Earth's rotation on time zones and global positioning.
  • Learn about the historical variations in Earth's rotational speed and their causes.
  • Investigate the impact of Earth's rotation on climate and weather patterns.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, students studying Earth sciences, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of Earth's rotation and its effects on daily life.

angak001
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The question that really troubles me is how fast the Earth spins around its axis?
I was wondering that if the Earth spins really fast then why are the days slow.
 
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It generally spins around 360 degrees per day ... not too fast, at least not compared to a spinning top.
 
so it spins around at a minmum speed?
 
um ... I'm not sure what you mean by "minimum". That's not the slowest angular speed possible (the Moon spins once per 28 days, approximately). If you just mean "slow speed", well, then I'd ask "slow compared to what?"

In any case, the Earth's rotational rate does vary slightly over time, but for most practical purposes, you can say that it spins once per day, i.e. 360 degrees in 24 hours, or 15 degrees per hour, or .25 degrees per minute.
 
The Earth travels at abought 1000 miles per hour at the equator.
 
belliott4488 said:
It generally spins around 360 degrees per day
[nitpick]that is 360 degrees per sidereal day, not solar day[/nitpick]
 
DaleSpam said:
[nitpick]that is 360 degrees per sidereal day, not solar day[/nitpick]
ha ha ... yes, indeed, and I love the [nitpick] tags! ;-)

Of course, I could claim that that's what I meant by "around 360 degrees" ... but I won't.
 
Whew, glad you didn't take offense :smile:. I know nitpicking can be obnoxious.
 
DaleSpam said:
Whew, glad you didn't take offense :smile:. I know nitpicking can be obnoxious.
Only when people forget the [nitpick] tags!
 
  • #10
DaleSpam said:
Whew, glad you didn't take offense :smile:. I know nitpicking can be obnoxious.

Well, you did use [nitpick] tags, so you're in the clear!

I think, for the purposes of this thread, saying that the Earth spins roughly 1 revolution per day is sufficient :smile:
 

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