ENVIRONMENT

Earth's Center of Mass Drifts Less Than Previously Estimated

A new study measured changes in Earth’s center of mass at millimeter scale and found that its seasonal movement is smaller than previously thought. The center of mass is not stationary: it shifts with the seasons and also changes over longer periods, according to the supplied report.

Illustrative photo · Photo by SpaceX · Pexels

Earth’s center of mass is not stationary. It drifts seasonally and over the course of years.

A new study measured the movement at the scale of millimeters and found that the seasonal drift is smaller than previously thought.

THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND

What physical processes account for the seasonal movement of Earth’s center of mass?

What measurements and reference points were used to estimate the drift at millimeter scale?

How might the revised estimate affect scientific models that use Earth’s center of mass?

Over what period were the longer-term changes measured?

What uncertainties remain in the new measurement?

YOUR QUESTION

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23 September 2026 · 04:36 · 1 sources

Sources

Universe Today — Earth's Center of Mass Drifts Less Than We Thought