NASA study refines measurement of Earth's shifting mass center

A 3D digital illustration of Earth with a slice cut away to reveal its internal layers. The exterior shows a realistic view of the globe, focusing on Europe, Asia, and Africa with visible geographic features and grid lines.

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Published Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · 3:07 PM EDT

A NASA-led team published a method to measure seasonal shifts in Earth's center of mass using satellite tracking, GPS data and models of crustal deformation. The researchers estimate the annual movement is about half the size believed eight years ago. NASA said more accurate reference measurements can improve positioning systems used in mapping, navigation, shipping logistics and precision agriculture. The result is a research finding, not a deployed navigation-system update.

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