Earth is spinning faster this summer, making the days marginally shorter and attracting the attention of scientists and astronomers. Some days have clocked in at slightly less than the standard 24 hours, and timekeepers are considering an unprecedented move .

Zotov predicts Earth’s rotation may soon decelerate once again. If he’s right, this sudden speeding-up could prove to be just a temporary anomaly in the planet’s long-term trend toward slower rotation and longer days.