Earth's rotation

Earth's rotation is the spinning of the planet around its central axis, which runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. This rotation takes about 24 hours, creating the cycle of day and night. As Earth spins, different parts of its surface move into and out of sunlight. This rotation is responsible for the regular pattern of day and night experienced worldwide. The spinning is smooth and consistent, driven by Earth's momentum from its formation. Understanding Earth's rotation helps explain phenomena like time zones and the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky.