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The term "retrograde motion" means that a satellite (moon) moves in the opposite direction from what would be expected or common.

A retrograde orbit is one opposite the rotation of the planet being orbited. This is the case with satellites of Jupiter and Saturn that are likely captured asteroids.

The planet Venus exhibits retrograde rotation because it spins very slowly in a clockwise direction (as seen from above). The dwarf planet Pluto likewise rotates clockwise. All other planets display counter-clockwise rotations, and all planets orbit the Sun counter-clockwise. (The planet Uranus is tilted on its side, and could be considered retrograde as well.)

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What do the planets do to incur retrograde motion?

The planets don't have to "do anything" to "go into" retrograde motion. The retrograde motion, the "moving backward" that planets do as we watch them cross the night sky over the weeks, is due to the nature of the orbit of a planet and to our view of that orbit from earth.


When a planet moves backward through the zodiac what do astrologers refer this as?

When a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac, astrologers refer to this phenomenon as "retrograde." It is an apparent backward motion caused by the differing speeds of the planets as they orbit the Sun. Retrograde periods are believed to signal a time for reflection, reevaluation, and revisiting old issues.


What planets are retrograde?

As of October 2021, the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are retrograde. Retrograde motion is an apparent backward motion of a planet as seen from Earth, and it can affect us by prompting introspection and reevaluation in the areas of life governed by the planet.


How can planet retrograde motion be explained by the Earth-center hypothesis By the Sun-center hypothesis?

In the Geocentric Hypothesis (Earth-centered), retrograde motion can only be explained by describing the motion of planets as complex, curlicue paths. In the Heliocentric Hypothesis (Sun-centered), retrograde motion is described as changes in relative motion as the Earth overtakes a slower-moving planet in an outer orbit, or is overtaken by a faster-moving planet in an inner orbit. In the Heliocentric Hypothesis, all planets move in more-or-less circular orbits at more-or-less constant speeds, but planets closer to the Sun move faster. Thus, the Earth can overtake and pass each of the outer planets, making them appear to move "backward" (retrograde) for a time.


Do inner planets mercury and Venus experience retrograde motion similar to the outer planets?

Yes, both Mercury and Venus can experience retrograde motion. This is a result of their orbits being closer to the Sun than Earth's. When observed from Earth, their apparent motion sometimes appears to be moving backward against the background of stars before resuming its normal direction.

Related Questions

It is now known that the celestial objects which appear to move backwards among the stars are?

The celestial objects that appear to move backwards among the stars are planets in our solar system. This phenomenon is called retrograde motion and is an apparent backward motion that occurs when Earth passes by these planets in their orbits.


What is a planet's backward motion in the sky called?

A planet's backward motion in the sky is called retrograde motion. This occurs when a planet appears to move in the opposite direction in the night sky compared to its usual eastward movement.


What is a word for forward and backward motion in a arc called?

Pendulum?


What is the planets' backwards motion in the sky called?

retrogade motion


What do the planets do to incur retrograde motion?

The planets don't have to "do anything" to "go into" retrograde motion. The retrograde motion, the "moving backward" that planets do as we watch them cross the night sky over the weeks, is due to the nature of the orbit of a planet and to our view of that orbit from earth.


What is it called when planets move east to west?

Apparent motion of the planets.


Wave that moves rock particles in a backward rolling motion and a side-to-side swaying motion?

These are called Surface waves


Which two planets have Retrograde motion?

Venus and Uranus have retrograde rotation.There are other meanings of retrograde motion, but retrograde rotation fits the question best.


What is the apparent backward motion of a planet seen from earth called?

That is called 'apparent retrograde motion'.See the related link listed belowfor more information.


When a planet moves backward through the zodiac what do astrologers refer this as?

When a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac, astrologers refer to this phenomenon as "retrograde." It is an apparent backward motion caused by the differing speeds of the planets as they orbit the Sun. Retrograde periods are believed to signal a time for reflection, reevaluation, and revisiting old issues.


What planets are retrograde?

As of October 2021, the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are retrograde. Retrograde motion is an apparent backward motion of a planet as seen from Earth, and it can affect us by prompting introspection and reevaluation in the areas of life governed by the planet.


Which motion turns the palm of the hnd downward or backward?

Pronation is the motion that turns the palm of the hand downward or backward.