MEAN SOLAR DAY Meaning and
Definition
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A mean solar day is a term used in astronomy and timekeeping to define the average length of a day on Earth. It refers to the period of time it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation on its axis in relation to the Sun. This duration is typically measured from noon on one day to noon on the following day.
The term "mean" in mean solar day indicates that it is an average value rather than a fixed or constant length of time. This is because the rotation of the Earth can vary slightly due to numerous factors, including gravitational forces from other celestial bodies, the Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun, and tidal interactions.
To calculate the mean solar day, scientists make use of precise measurements of the Earth's rotation over an extended period of time. These measurements are then averaged to determine the length of a typical day. Currently, the mean solar day is considered to be approximately 24 hours long, or more precisely, 24 hours, 3 minutes, and 56.555 seconds, based on the International System of Units (SI).
The concept of a mean solar day is crucial for coordinating timekeeping systems around the world, such as the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is based on atomic clocks but adjusted to remain in line with the average length of a mean solar day.
Common Misspellings for MEAN SOLAR DAY
- nean solar day
- kean solar day
- jean solar day
- mwan solar day
- msan solar day
- mdan solar day
- mran solar day
- m4an solar day
- m3an solar day
- mezn solar day
- mesn solar day
- mewn solar day
- meqn solar day
- meab solar day
- meam solar day
- meaj solar day
- meah solar day
- mean aolar day
- mean zolar day
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