Let's consider the Earth's rotation. The Earth's radius at the equator is about 4000 miles (3963 miles actually). Then the circumference of the Earth's equator is 2 * Pi * 3963 = 24,900 miles. This is the distance around the equator. This is also how far the Earth's equator moves in 24 hours. Then the speed of rotation at the equator = 24,900 miles divided by 24 hours = 1040 miles an hour. Since I don't live at the equator but about latitude 1 degrees here in Singapore, there is a reduction of the distance that is given by the cosine of the latitude. (Cosine(0 degrees) = 1, while Cosine(1 degrees) = 0.999.) Taking the equatorial rotation speed and multiplying by the cosine of our latitude gives us a local rotation speed of nearly 1040 miles an hour.
Let's take London. A latitude of 51 degrees, Cosine of 0.629. Moving at a mere speed of 655 mph. And who said that life in London was life in the fast lane. No wonder I feel bloody giddy. Does this mean that I'm getting older quicker or slower than I was before? Welcome to Singapore...
If you want to see where I currently am click here. That's me, the tall white tower in the middle. You can see our pool. If the satellite is overhead, I might be waving at you.
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Einstein (amongst others) would have told you that it's all relative.
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