NASA Tracks Seasonal Shifts in Earth's Center of Mass
Scientists say redistribution of water around the planet moves Earth's center of mass by fractions of an inch, a factor important for satellite navigation and elevation measurements.
NASA scientists are monitoring subtle seasonal shifts in Earth's center of mass, according to the agency's science research division.
According to NASA, seasonal changes redistribute enough water around the planet to shift Earth's center of mass back and forth by fractions of an inch relative to its geometric center.
NASA said its researchers are tracking these oscillations because Earth's center of mass serves as a crucial reference point for satellite navigation and elevation measurements.
The agency reported that a team of scientists is studying the phenomenon, though the source material did not provide further details on the team's composition or specific findings.
NASA did not specify in the available material the precise magnitude of seasonal variation beyond describing it as fractions of an inch, nor did it detail the methodology used to detect these shifts.
Sources
- NASA Watches Earth’s Weight, Finds Center of Mass — NASA Breaking News
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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