Understanding Earth's Rotation and Smallpox History

The video discusses how Earth's rotation is slowing, making days longer by 1.8 milliseconds per century. This is due to the Moon's gravitational pull, but other factors like post-ice age pole rebound and core-mantle interactions also play a role. Additionally, new research suggests smallpox may be only a few hundred years old, challenging previous beliefs about its history. The video concludes with acknowledgments to supporters.

What is the average increase in the length of a day on Earth per century?

• 1.8 milliseconds

• 2.3 milliseconds

• 1.7 milliseconds

• 2.0 milliseconds

Which method provides the most accurate record of day length since 1962?

• Eclipse observations

• Star disappearance records

• Atomic clocks

• Telescope observations

What natural phenomenon is primarily responsible for the slowing of Earth's rotation?

• Solar flares

• Moon's gravitational pull

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic eruptions

How does the last ice age affect Earth's rotation?

• It slows down the rotation

• It speeds up the rotation

• It has no effect

• It reverses the rotation

What is one possible interaction that might be affecting Earth's rotation speed?

• Core and mantle interaction

• Atmospheric pressure changes

• Ocean currents

• Solar radiation

What recent discovery has changed our understanding of smallpox's history?

• A fossil with the virus

• A new strain of the virus

• A 17th-century mummy with the virus

• A new vaccine

According to recent studies, when did smallpox likely start spreading globally?

• 3000 BCE

• 1580s

• 2000 BCE

• 1700s

What did researchers use to trace the history of the smallpox virus?

• Ancient texts

• Old medical records

• DNA sequencing

• Historical paintings

What might older mummies with pockmarks actually have had instead of smallpox?

• Chicken pox

• Influenza

• Tuberculosis

• Malaria

What is the significance of the new smallpox findings for virologists?

• It suggests a new treatment

• It introduces a new virus

• It challenges existing timelines

• It confirms old theories