Earth rotation different in hemisphere

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether the Earth rotates in different directions in the northern and southern hemispheres, specifically addressing the claim that it rotates from West to East in the southern hemisphere and East to West in the northern hemisphere. Participants explore this concept from various angles, including observational perspectives and the implications of celestial mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the Earth rotates in the same direction in both hemispheres, as the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West universally.
  • Others suggest that the perception of rotation differs based on the observer's location, noting that the sky appears to rotate clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
  • A participant proposes that the original question may relate to the Coriolis Force, indicating a possible misunderstanding of the concept of rotation.
  • One participant emphasizes that if the Earth rotated in opposite directions in each hemisphere, it would lead to contradictory phenomena at the equator.
  • Another participant describes the experience of observing the sky from different hemispheres, suggesting that standing on one's head would not change the direction of the Sun's movement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the initial claim regarding the direction of Earth's rotation in different hemispheres. While some argue against the claim, others explore the implications of perspective and celestial observation without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying interpretations of celestial mechanics and observational perspectives, indicating a need for clarity on definitions and assumptions regarding rotation and perspective.

vishnu kumar
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Why Earth rotates from West to East in southern hemisphere and East to West in northern hemisphere?? Is this true,if yes then explain please.
 
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vishnu kumar said:
Why Earth rotates from West to East in southern hemisphere and East to West in northern hemisphere?? Is this true,if yes then explain please.

It's always nice to get a post from an alternative universe. Is the Reimann Hypothesis true where you come from?
 
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vishnu kumar said:
Why Earth rotates from West to East in southern hemisphere and East to West in northern hemisphere?? Is this true,if yes then explain please.

why would you think that ?

the sun rises in the east in both hemispheres, and since the Earth is essentially a solid body, it can't do anything but, as a whole, rotate in the same direction
Hornbein said:
It's always nice to get a post from an alternative universe. Is the Reimann Hypothesis true where you come from?

LOL trueDave
 
I think you're meaning this.

The sky rotates differently if you look to the other sky hemisphere.
It rotates clockwise if you're looking at the northern hemisphere, but it rotates counter-clockwise if you're looking at southern hemisphere.
 
Perhaps the OP is making a poorly worded reference to the Coriolis Force?
 
Sei said:
I think you're meaning this.

The sky rotates differently if you look to the other sky hemisphere.
It rotates clockwise if you're looking at the northern hemisphere, but it rotates counter-clockwise if you're looking at southern hemisphere.
How it can happen please give detail information
 
vishnu kumar said:
How it can happen please give detail information
When you are in the northern hemisphere, the north pole is pointed up, but when you are in the southern hemisphere, the north pole is pointed down. Stand on your head in one hemisphere and the sun will move the same way in the northern hemisphere as in the southern.
 
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vishnu kumar said:
Why Earth rotates from West to East in southern hemisphere and East to West in northern hemisphere?? Is this true,if yes then explain please.
No it isn't true.
The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West for both hemispheres, so they must be rotating in the same direction.
Besides, if they rotated in opposite directions what do you imagine would be happening at the equator?
 
rootone said:
No it isn't true.
The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West for both hemispheres, so they must be rotating in the same direction.
Besides, if they rotated in opposite directions what do you imagine would be happening at the equator?
I'm near the equator.
The sun rises approximately in the east and sets approximately in the west.
Now it's time to learn.

Imagine you're in the middle of a sphere. It's rotating. Both rotating. Have a look around.

Both celestial hemispheres rotate in the same direction. It's your look that make you feel that it's rotating in the wrong way.

Some pic:
http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/astronomy/fix/student/images/01f19.jpg
 

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