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Chapter 7: Problem 1

Do all the planets orbit the Sun in the same direction? Are all of the orbits circular?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, all planets do orbit the Sun in the same direction, specifically in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from above the Sun's north pole. However, none of the orbits are perfectly circular, they are elliptical or oval-shaped.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Orbit Direction

In astronomical terms, the direction of rotation or revolution is referred to as 'Prograde' or 'Retrograde'. Prograde is a term used to describe a celestial body that rotates or orbits in a direction the same as the majority of bodies in a system. The retrograde definition is the opposite, it's when an object rotates or orbits in the opposite direction to the majority. In the solar system, all planets orbit the Sun in the same direction, moving counter-clockwise when viewed from above the Sun's north pole. This is known as prograde motion.
02

Understanding the Shape of Orbits

The shape of the orbits of celestial bodies is a fundamental concept in astronomy. Johannes Kepler found that planets move not in circular orbits, but in elliptical (oval) paths. This is known as Kepler's First Law. Hence, none of the planets in our solar system have a perfectly circular orbit, but instead, elliptical orbits.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Imagine a trans-Neptunian object with roughly the same mass as Earth but located \(50 \mathrm{AU}\) from the Sun. (a) What do you think this object would be made of? Explain your reasoning. (b) On the basis of this speculation, assume a reasonable density for this object and calculate its diameter. How many times bigger or smaller than Earth would it be?

How does the size of a terrestrial planet influence the amount of cratering on the planet's surface?

What is the relationship between the extent to which a planet or satellite is cratered and the amount of geologic activity on that planet or satellite?

When an impact crater is formed, material (called ejecta) is sprayed outward from the impact. (The accompanying photograph of the Moon shows light-colored ejecta extending outward from the crater Copernicus.) While ejecta are found surrounding the craters on Mercury, they do not extend as far from the craters as do ejecta on the Moon. Explain why, using the difference in surface gravity between the Moon (surface gravity \(=0.17\) that on Earth) and Mercury (surface gravity \(=0.38\) that on Earth).

Suppose Mars Global Surveyor had discovered magnetized regions in the lowlands of Mars. How would this discovery have affected our understanding of the evolution of the Martian interior?
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