How Fast Is Earth's Rotation (equator)?

Earth spins at 465 m/s at the equator — 1,670 km/h. You don't feel it because everything around you moves identically, a perfect demonstration of Galilean relativity. If Earth stopped suddenly, the atmosphere would keep going at this speed and erase everything in its path.

If Earth stopped rotating instantly, the atmosphere would keep going at 1,670 km/h — and erase everything on the surface.

• Above sound speed
• If it stopped, the atmosphere would tear everything apart