Planet Rotation: How Is It Possible?

In summary, the rotation of a planet is not affected by other planets, as they are too far away to have a noticeable effect. The rotation of a planet is also not affected by other planets because there is no real coupling between them. The prevailing theory for odd rotations is that massive collisions can cause them, but there are not enough objects in the solar system to cause this in our lifetime. As for how a planet continues to rotate without stopping, it is similar to a spinning top - there is no air or surface to lose energy to in space, so the rotation can continue indefinitely. The odd rotation axis of Uranus is believed to be a result of a large collision.
  • #1
Godis1
1
0
How is it possible for one planet to rotate opposite the others and one to rotate 90 degrees axially from the others, and these continue to rotate without stopping?
 
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  • #2
I'm no expert, but the rotation of a planet is not affected by other planets; they are too far away to "notice." Moons orbit close enough to their parent to have their rotation affected, but the planets are too far apart. The real question is how odd rotations got started in the first place, not how is it they can continue. I think the prevailing theory is that massive collisions can do the trick. What doesn't get knocked completely loose is quickly reformed by gravity into a sphere (the planet) but the spin of the ball is redirected by some of the force of the impact (what didn't go into making the mess of fragments and heat.) There are not enough wild objects out there to do this sort of thing in our lifetime (close enough for us to see, that is), or at least we hope not.
As for how a planet keeps spinning, that's easy. Just spin a top and watch it. It spins for a long time because it loses very little energy to the air and off the tiny point on the floor. Planets spin in space, which is a vacuum, so no air there to lose spin energy to, and there is no point on a floor either. So they just keep on going.
 
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  • #3
the rotation of a planet is not affected by other planets

The rotation is affected by the gravity of other planets. Take Jupiter when it passes near the Earth's rotation it affects the tides just like the Moon with its immense gravity even over long distances.

I do not see why a planet traveling the opposite direction as long as its Elliptical Keplerian characteristics support a healthy orbit but the gravity of other planets would be more intense because the planet passes by the other planets more quickly.

Although the early solar system probably would not support a planet going in a different direction because of all the other large asteroids would collide more ready knocking the planet off its course into larger planet.
 
  • #4
Philosophaie said:
The rotation is affected by the gravity of other otat. r
But not very much or they would all be tidally locked together.
It's because there is no real coupling that weird rotations can continue.

The planets all go around the sun in the same direction because of the rotation of the original proto disk that they and the sun formed from. They all tend to rotate the same way because of the differential rotation of this disk - but that's a smaller effect.

The odd rotation axis of uranus is thought to be because it got hit by something big.
 
  • #5
but the gravity of other planets would be more intense because the planet passes by the other planets more quickly.
you mean less intense. the quicker you zip by a mass, the less acceleration you feel due to that mass overall
 

What causes planetary rotation?

The rotation of a planet is caused by its initial angular momentum, which is the result of the planet's formation and subsequent collisions with other objects in space. As the planet coalesces from a swirling disk of gas and dust, its rotation speeds up due to the conservation of angular momentum.

Why do some planets rotate in different directions?

The direction of a planet's rotation is determined by the direction of its initial angular momentum. However, this can be influenced by gravitational interactions with other objects, such as moons or nearby planets. For example, Venus rotates in the opposite direction to most other planets, likely due to a past collision or gravitational pull from a large object.

What is the effect of planetary rotation on its atmosphere?

Planetary rotation plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of a planet. The rotation causes different parts of the planet to experience varying degrees of heating and cooling, leading to atmospheric circulation patterns. For example, the Earth's rotation creates the Coriolis effect, which influences global wind patterns and weather systems.

Can a planet's rotation change over time?

Yes, a planet's rotation can change over time due to external factors such as tidal forces from moons or gravitational interactions with other objects. As a result, the length of a planet's day may vary over time. For example, the Earth's rotation is slowing down due to tidal interactions with the Moon, causing our days to gradually become longer.

Does the rate of planetary rotation affect its habitability?

Yes, the rate of planetary rotation can have a significant impact on its habitability. A slower rotation, like that of Venus, can lead to extreme temperature differences between the day and night sides of the planet, making it uninhabitable. On the other hand, a faster rotation, like that of Jupiter, can create strong winds and turbulent weather patterns, making it difficult for life to thrive.

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