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Um, the Earth Sped Up Because of That Quake, Guys
File under news that freaks us out: The enormous Chilean earthquake, like all big earthquakes apparently, had a minute affect on the speed of Earth's rotation. Our days just got 1.26 millionths of a second shorter because the mass of the Earth's plates shifted slightly toward further from (?) the equator (a comparison is made to figure skaters spinning faster when they hold their arms in). You science types might find this cool and/or basic knowledge. The rest of us more philosophical types find this completely disturbing.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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