How fast does the earth spin around its axis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the speed at which the Earth spins around its axis, exploring the implications of this rotation on the perception of time and day length. Participants delve into both the angular speed and the linear speed at the equator, while also addressing distinctions between sidereal and solar days.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the Earth appears to have slow days despite its rotation speed.
  • Another participant states that the Earth spins 360 degrees per day, suggesting this is not particularly fast compared to other spinning objects.
  • A participant inquires about the meaning of "minimum speed" in the context of Earth's rotation.
  • There is a clarification that the Earth's rotational rate varies slightly over time, but it is generally accepted to be 360 degrees in 24 hours, or 15 degrees per hour.
  • One participant mentions that the Earth travels at about 1000 miles per hour at the equator.
  • Participants note the distinction between sidereal and solar days, with emphasis on the Earth's rotation being 360 degrees per sidereal day.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding the use of "nitpick" tags in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic facts of the Earth's rotation, such as the 360 degrees per day rotation. However, there are nuances regarding the definitions of sidereal versus solar days, and the discussion includes some playful contention over terminology.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the implications of the Earth's rotational speed on the perception of time, nor have they clarified the significance of the differences between sidereal and solar days in this context.

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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