Unprecedented Daily Measurements: Charting Earth's Rotation Shifts

Researchers at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell have achieved unprecedented accuracy in measuring Earth's rotation using an advanced ring laser. This enhanced technology allows for daily high-quality data capture, which is crucial for determining Earth's position in space, improving climate research and models, and understanding weather phenomena like El Niño. The ring laser system has been continuously improved to provide precise measurements down to 9 decimal places, with the ability to capture current data every three hours. The independent and highly precise laser system eliminates the need for reference points in space, making it a valuable tool for identifying and compensating for systematic errors in other measurement methods.