Latest news with #UniversityOfLondon
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientist warns shortest day in history is coming in weeks
A scientist has warned that Earth's rotation is unexpectedly accelerating, leading to the shortest day in history in just a few weeks. Graham Jones, an astrophysicist at the University of London , says Earth's rotation could speed up noticeably on one of three dates this summer, either July 9, July 22, or August 5. Since 2020, scientists have noticed that Earth has been spinning slightly faster than usual, but the cause remains a mystery to this day. Before that, the planet was slowing down over time, due to the moon's gravitational pull, which stretched days into the 24-hour cycle we now live by. Earth normally takes 24 hours, or exactly 86,400 seconds, to complete one full rotation, which is called a solar day. Earth's rotation is not always perfect, as it can shift by a tiny amount over time, a few milliseconds. That is likely due to the Earth's spin being influenced by natural forces, like earthquakes and ocean currents. Melting glaciers, movement in Earth's molten core, and large weather patterns like El Niño can also slightly speed up or slow down the planet's rotation. These changes are measured using atomic clocks, which track time more accurately than regular watches. The recent spin-up has surprised researchers. The fastest day recorded so far was on July 5, 2024, when Earth spun 1.66 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. Although the scientist does not know the exact reason for the acceleration, they are studying what's happening inside the Earth. That includes shifting molten layers in the core, ocean currents, and high-altitude winds as they affect the Earth's spin. Earth is not solid all the way through. Its core is made of hot, swirling liquid metal. As that molten metal moves, it can change the planet's shape and balance, similar to how a figure skater spins faster by pulling in their arms. Ocean currents and jet streams, fast-moving ribbons of air in the atmosphere, also shift mass around the planet, causing small wobbles or changes in spin speed. Scientists are looking at all these pieces together, the moon's orbit, core activity, ocean flow, and wind patterns, to figure out what's going on. Starting in 2020, Earth began breaking its records for the shortest day . That year, July 19 came in 1.47 milliseconds short. On July 9, 2021, there was a 1.47 millisecond drop. In 2022, Earth recorded its shortest day on June 30, shaving off 1.59 milliseconds from the usual 24 hours. In 2023, the rotation slowed slightly, and no new records were set. But in 2024, the speed picked up again. Several days broke the previous records, making it the year with the most consistently short days ever measured. These estimates are based on past observations and computer models, and include systematic corrections and smoothing to account for natural fluctuations. Jones used information from the US Naval Observatory and international Earth rotation services. Atomic clocks track the numbers, and the tools measure what's called 'Length of Day,' or LOD. That's the time it takes Earth to rotate once, down to the millisecond. Even tiny changes in day length matter. GPS, phone networks, and financial systems rely on split-second accuracy. A shift of just a few milliseconds can cause tech glitches. Right now, the world keeps time using Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC. Sometimes we add a leap second to stay in sync with Earth's slow shifts. If the Earth keeps rotating faster, experts may have to remove a second, called a negative leap second . It's never happened before. The long-term trend is more familiar. Billions of years ago, Earth spun so fast that a day lasted only a few hours. It happened due to the moon's gravitational pull. Now, something inside Earth may be speeding it back up. But researchers say current models of the atmosphere and oceans don't explain what's happening. 'Sooner or later, Earth will decelerate,' Zotov said. But for now, the spin continues to speed up.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientist warns shortest day in history is coming in WEEKS as Earth's rotation unexpectedly speeds up
A scientist has warned that Earth's rotation is unexpectedly accelerating, leading to the shortest day in history in just a few weeks. Graham Jones, an astrophysicist at the University of London, says Earth's rotation could speed up noticeably on one of three dates this summer, either July 9, July 22, or August 5. On those days, time is predicted to drop by 1.30, 1.38, or 1.51 milliseconds, respectively. Researchers say that although this change will be tiny, it can affect everything from satellite systems and GPS accuracy to how we measure time itself. Leonid Zotov, a scientist at Moscow State University, said: 'Nobody expected this, the cause of this acceleration is not explained.' Since 2020, scientists have noticed that Earth has been spinning slightly faster than usual, but the cause remains a mystery to this day.. Before that, the planet was slowing down over time, due to the moon's gravitational pull, which stretched days into the 24-hour cycle we now live by. Earth normally takes 24 hours, or exactly 86,400 seconds, to complete one full rotation, which is called a solar day. Earth's rotation is not always perfect, as it can shift by a tiny amount over time, a few milliseconds. That is likely due to the Earth's spin being influenced by natural forces, like earthquakes and ocean currents. Melting glaciers, movement in Earth's molten core, and large weather patterns like El Niño can also slightly speed up or slow down the planet's rotation. These changes are measured using atomic clocks, which track time more accurately than regular watches. The recent spin-up has surprised researchers. The fastest day recorded so far was on July 5, 2024, when Earth spun 1.66 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. Although the scientist does not know the exact reason for the acceleration, they are studying what's happening inside the Earth. That includes shifting molten layers in the core, ocean currents, and high-altitude winds as they affect the Earth's spin. Earth is not solid all the way through. Its core is made of hot, swirling liquid metal. As that molten metal moves, it can change the planet's shape and balance, similar to how a figure skater spins faster by pulling in their arms. Ocean currents and jet streams, fast-moving ribbons of air in the atmosphere, also shift mass around the planet, causing small wobbles or changes in spin speed. Scientists are looking at all these pieces together, the moon's orbit, core activity, ocean flow, and wind patterns, to figure out what's going on. Starting in 2020, Earth began breaking its records for the shortest day. That year, July 19 came in 1.47 milliseconds short. On July 9, 2021, there was a 1.47 millisecond drop. In 2022, Earth recorded its shortest day on June 30, shaving off 1.59 milliseconds from the usual 24 hours. In 2023, the rotation slowed slightly, and no new records were set. But in 2024, the speed picked up again. Several days broke the previous records, making it the year with the most consistently short days ever measured. These estimates are based on past observations and computer models, and include systematic corrections and smoothing to account for natural fluctuations. Jones used information from the US Naval Observatory and international Earth rotation services. Atomic clocks track the numbers, and the tools measure what's called 'Length of Day,' or LOD. That's the time it takes Earth to rotate once, down to the millisecond. Even tiny changes in day length matter. GPS, phone networks, and financial systems rely on split-second accuracy. A shift of just a few milliseconds can cause tech glitches. Right now, the world keeps time using Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC. Sometimes we add a leap second to stay in sync with Earth's slow shifts. If the Earth keeps rotating faster, experts may have to remove a second, called a negative leap second. It's never happened before. The long-term trend is more familiar. Billions of years ago, Earth spun so fast that a day lasted only a few hours. It happened due to the moon's gravitational pull. Now, something inside Earth may be speeding it back up. But researchers say current models of the atmosphere and oceans don't explain what's happening. 'Sooner or later, Earth will decelerate,' Zotov said. But for now, the spin continues to speed up.
The Guardian
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Goldsmiths apologises to Jewish students and staff over ‘culture' of antisemitism
Goldsmiths College in London has apologised to Jewish students and staff after an independent inquiry found it had allowed a 'culture' of antisemitism to build up on its campus over a number of years. The inquiry concluded that Jewish students were subjected to antisemitism during their studies at Goldsmiths and that the college's management failed to help Jewish students and potential applicants to 'feel welcome, included and safe from antisemitism'. The inquiry was commissioned by the university's council in 2023, to look at the experiences of Jewish students and staff since 2018. Mohinderpal Sethi KC, who led the inquiry, wrote: 'It appears to me that a culture has built up over the years at Goldsmiths that, at the very least, has resulted in Jewish students legitimately feeling significant discomfort on campus. It is apparent that from the evidence reported to me that Jewish students have likely been subjected to antisemitism. 'This is plainly not unique to Goldsmiths, but this inquiry relates to Goldsmiths and I consider that it has not done enough as an institution to ensure its Jewish students and staff feel safe and welcome.' Goldsmiths, part of the University of London, said it accepted the inquiry's findings and would adopt its recommendations, including better mechanisms to report and track antisemitism, improving support services and reforming the college's antiracism training to recognise antisemitism as racism. It will also set up a new advisory panel drawn from the Jewish community, students and staff. Prof Frances Corner, vice-chancellor of Goldsmiths said: 'The inquiry sets out a disturbing picture and I am sorry that our community and culture fell short of the behaviours we expect. 'The report rightly states that we owe it to former, current and future Jewish students and staff to learn from our mistakes. 'We share responsibility, as a community, to show Goldsmiths can be a place where Jewish students and staff feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of our university.' Corner added: 'Today, we commit to lasting cultural change with respect to Jewish students and staff, and for all religions and beliefs, drawing on our intellectual heritage and our longstanding belief in social justice.' Sethi's inquiry heard disturbing reports of far-right graffiti found in locations only accessible to Goldsmiths students or staff, while the college's Jewish society effectively disbanded last year due to safety concerns and protests. One Jewish student was forced to move out of their college residence because of hostility from other students, including the desecration of a mezuzah, a religious symbol at the entrance to a Jewish home. 'The evidence set out above from students about the antisemitism they experienced at the college was also bolstered by the evidence of an academic, who informed me of the antisemitic tropes and conspiracies they had read in their students' essays. For example, that 'Jews dominate media and culture and run New York and that's why they could get musicals on to Broadway' or that there are 'Jews all over the BBC',' the report states. Goldsmiths said it has appointed Prof Adam Dinham to lead a two-year antisemitism action plan. It said: 'This will build a culture of belonging for all Jewish students and staff, and for all religions and beliefs at the university, nurturing evidence-based dialogue, positive activism, and engagement.'
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ACCA and University of London launch new opportunity for students to attain a BSc degree
New BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy programme integrates degree studies into global accountancy qualification, enabling students to achieve both an academic and a professional qualification Dubai, UAE: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the University of London have collaborated on the launch of a new BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy programme. This innovative programme integrates studies for the ACCA Qualification with those for the University of London BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy into one study route, meaning that students can achieve both as part of their route to becoming members of the leading global accountancy body, which has more than quarter of a million members across 180 countries. The BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy has been designed to fit into a student's journey through the ACCA Qualification, with a clear pathway for those wanting to attain a degree. ACCA students will be able to apply for the degree from December 2025. Like the ACCA Qualification, students will have the flexibility to study for the BSc online anywhere in the world. They can choose between supported online learning or, as it becomes available, face-to-face tuition support, through the University of London's network of Recognised Teaching Centres. Alan Hatfield, ACCA Executive Director – Content, Quality and Innovation, said: 'Choosing between a professional and an academic qualification is a significant dilemma for many students. This new route offers a great career launchpad for those who want to do both at the same time. 'University of London is a world-renowned university with a global reach and values that mirror ours. This new route supports our efforts to increase inclusion and opportunity in the accountancy profession, and to bridge the accountancy skills gap that exists in many countries.' Dr Sky Zheng, Executive Director of University of London Worldwide, said: 'We have a longstanding commitment to innovating the way we provide accessible, quality, distance education to students around the world. This includes providing courses that allow students to choose the best learning experience to suit them and their needs, whether professional or academic. 'This BSc programme, delivered in collaboration with ACCA, gives students the best of both worlds - gaining both credentials simultaneously to improve their career prospects in global accountancy. We look forward to helping develop the next generation of qualified professionals who can meet the evolving demands of the business world.' The BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy builds on an existing collaboration between the two bodies under which ACCA members and affiliates have the opportunity to attain an MSc in Professional Accountancy. For media enquiries, contact: Middle East media contacts: Natalie Glorney natalie@ Sheila Tobias sheila@ ACCA News Room E: newsroom@ Notes: This collaboration represents the coming together of two world-class brands. The University of London is a leading provider of digital and blended education, offering degrees in partnership with their seventeen Federation partners to around 40,000 students in 190 countries. ACCA supports a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members (students) in 180 countries. There is great mission alignment between both organisations in delivering access to education and delivering social good. Benefits for ACCA students include: The opportunity to complete an accountancy degree programme from a world-renowned university. The ability to complete an academic and a professional qualification simultaneously whilst studying for the ACCA Qualification. Flexibility to study for a University of London degree programme from anywhere in the world with ACCA. The BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy Top Up can be achieved in a minimum of 12 months. Students have up to three years to complete the programme to enable flexibility for students to progress as a speed that suits them. Applicants for the BSc will need to have completed seven of their ACCA Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers - they will then complete two modules with the University of London, aligned to ACCA's Performance Management and Financial Management papers. In addition, the students will complete a Project module that will allow them to graduate with the BSc and support them on their journey towards ACCA membership as they progress to the Strategic Professional papers. This ground-breaking collaboration began in 2015 and meant that ACCA was the first accountancy body to join with a university to enable students worldwide to gain a Master's degree and a professional accountancy qualification at the same time. The Master's in Professional Accountancy now provides ACCA affiliates and members with the opportunity to use their professional qualification as credit towards gaining a postgraduate qualification. The close and established collaboration that exists between University of London and ACCA will now deliver benefits for undergraduate education through the BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy. About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at: About University of London Although proudly rooted in London, our community and impact are global. The University of London is a world-leading university with around 40,000 students studying across more than 190 countries. We are a national leader in the humanities, and we promote their value to society and the economy through knowledge creation and exchange. We are also a federation of 17 esteemed higher education institutions, with collaboration at the heart of our ethos. The University of London was founded in 1836 to promote access to higher education. We pioneered distance learning across the globe. We were the first University in the world to admit students regardless of their gender, race or religion. In 1878 we were the first UK university to award degrees to women. Improving access and equality of opportunity remains our mission to this day. Read more about our history.
ABC News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
How America's national narratives have shaped the US
In the restoration of Donald Trump, many historians see echoes of ugly chapters in the American story. The 1830s, and the presidency of Andrew Jackson, a Democrat who rode roughshod over Congress and the Supreme Court and the 1930s, which saw a resurgence of the American far right. Ahead of her talk at Sydney's UTS Vice-Chancellor's Democracy Forum, renowned historian Sarah Churchwell unpacks the national narratives that have shaped the U.S. Guest: Sarah Churchwell, historian and professor of American Literature and Public Understanding, University of London and co-host of the podcast, Journey Through Time.
