The Earth spins at a speed of about 1,600 kilometers per hour (1,000 miles per hour) at the equator. This speed varies depending on the latitude; for example, at 45° latitude, the speed decreases to about 1,180 km/h (733 mph), and near the poles, it approaches zero because the rotation axis passes through these points. The Earth completes one full rotation relative to the stars in about 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds, which is slightly less than the 24-hour solar day. This spin speed means that points on Earth's surface move at different tangential speeds based on their distance from the axis of rotation.
In summary:
- Equatorial spin speed: ~1,600 km/h (1,000 mph)
- Spin period (sidereal day): ~23 hours 56 minutes
- Speed decreases as latitude increases from equator to poles
- Earth’s rotation is slightly slowing over centuries, but can vary slightly due to factors like climate change.
