Will a Halved Earth Orbital Period Affect Solar and Sidereal Days Differently?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between a solar day and a sidereal day, and how the Earth's orbital period around the sun can affect the length of a solar day. It is mentioned that a solar day is approximately 4 minutes longer due to the distance the sun moves in the sky, and if the Earth's orbital period was halved, the solar day would be 8 minutes longer.
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Carolyn
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I know that a solar day is about 4 minutes longer than a sidereal day.

But what if the Earth orbital period around the sun is halved, but the rotation period is same?

Will the solar day still be about 4 minutes longer?

Thanks.
 
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The 4minutes is to account for the distance across the sky the sun moves in a day.
So it takes 23:56 min for the Earth to rotate but then you have to move another 4mins to catch up with the sun which has moved on a bit.
If the earht moved twice as fast around the sun, the sun would have moved twice as far and so you would need (roughly) an extra 8 minutes to catch up and a solar day would 24:04.
 
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this makes sense, thanks.
 

1. What is the difference between a solar day and a sidereal day?

A solar day is the time it takes for the Earth to make one full rotation on its axis, relative to the position of the sun. This is approximately 24 hours. A sidereal day, on the other hand, is the time it takes for the Earth to make one full rotation on its axis, relative to the position of the stars. This is slightly shorter than a solar day, at around 23 hours and 56 minutes.

2. Why is a sidereal day shorter than a solar day?

This is because the Earth not only rotates on its axis, but it also revolves around the sun. As it does so, it moves slightly in its orbit, causing it to take a little longer to return to the same position relative to the stars.

3. How are solar days and sidereal days measured?

Solar days are measured using a sundial, which tracks the position of the sun in the sky. On the other hand, sidereal days are measured using a star tracker, which tracks the position of the stars in the sky. Both instruments can be used to measure time based on the Earth's rotation.

4. Do all planets have the same length of day?

No, the length of a day on a planet depends on its rotation rate. For example, a day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus because it rotates very slowly on its axis. On the other hand, a day on Jupiter is much shorter than a year on Jupiter because it rotates very quickly on its axis.

5. How do solar days and sidereal days affect our daily lives?

Solar days are what we use to track time and create our calendars, as it is based on the position of the sun. Sidereal days are important for astronomers and scientists, as it helps them track the position of stars and planets. Additionally, both types of days are important for understanding the Earth's rotation and its impact on the environment and climate.

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