Rotation period vs. mass of planets in solar system

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the rotation period and mass of planets in the solar system. Participants explore potential reasons for the observed trend that heavier planets tend to rotate faster, considering factors such as tidal friction and initial rotation speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if all planets started with fast rotation, smaller and closer planets would be more affected by tidal friction than larger, more distant planets.
  • Others note that this explanation does not account for why Uranus or Neptune rotate slower than Jupiter or Saturn.
  • It is proposed that if initial rotation speeds varied, the current rotation speeds may not have a direct relationship.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing planetary rotation, and no consensus is reached regarding the reasons behind the observed trends.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about initial conditions and the effects of tidal friction remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of these relationships.

pixel01
Messages
688
Reaction score
1
Hi all,

I just realize that for most of the planets in our solar system, the heavier the planet, the faster it rotates around its axis. Do you think there may be any reasons for that?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Guess:
If all planets started out rotating fast, then the smaller planets and also closer to the sun would be affected more by tidal friction than the more distant large planets.
 
mathman said:
Guess:
If all planets started out rotating fast, then the smaller planets and also closer to the sun would be affected more by tidal friction than the more distant large planets.

So it won't explain why Uranus or Neptune rotates slower than Jupiter or Saturn.
 
If the initial rotation speeds were different, then the current speeds don't have to have an exact relationship.
 
Where is the post by starz9? I was reading it.
 
pixel01 said:
Where is the post by starz9? I was reading it.
It was deleted for not meeting forum guidelines.
 
russ_watters said:
It was deleted for not meeting forum guidelines.

Thanks. I was just about to ask if it could be deleted.
 
When my post was deleted I thought it was due to my inclusion of my book title and a link to my web site, so I eliminated those items and tried to repost unsuccessfully.

Mr. Russ Watters was kind enough to send me an email explaining why the Forum was of the view my post did not adhere to your rules. DH makes the view unanimous.
It is your right to decide what you like and what you do not. I respect that. However, I would have been much more impressed if the staff could have shown where I'm wrong.
Best wished and Bye, James J. Wood, Sr.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad New Developments In The Search For Planet X
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Evidence for existence of a 9th Planet in the solar system
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
High School Question about the solar system and gravitational forces
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad How Can We Measure Properties of Distant Planets and Stars?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad IAU Rotational Models: Sol Solar System Planet Info
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad What Factors Create the Windiest Exoplanets?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Stargazing Planetary orbits -- Why do planets orbit at same “level”?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Rotation rates of planets seem odd?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad What Could Cause the Earth's Rotation to Dramatically Slow Down?
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
8K
Undergrad About the relation between number of sidereal and solar days
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K