The universe is much more than fireballs hanging in the air, it is filled with lots of space, energy, dark matter, and so on. Billions and trillions of star clusters are orbiting around the universe. Each star possesses different qualities and matters. In our solar system, though all planets orbit the same sun, they choose different planetary rotation directions. For example, when other celestial objects spin anti-clockwise, there is an oddball in the solar system that orbits in opposite directions. Read to which planet is that.
Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About Stars
Which Planet in the Solar System Rotates Clockwise?
What are the basic components of the universe?
- A. Space
- B. Energy
- C. Dark matter
- D. All of the above
The rotation of the planets is similar to the sun. It rotates anticlockwise so does the other planets except the one odd ball–Venus. Well, why does Venus spin clockwise? Scientists assume there might be a cause behind this anomaly, but they are not sure about the exact reason. Here are some theories on why Venus might ended up in planetary spin patterns.
Tidal Resonance
Venus is known for its dense atmosphere, so when the sun offers a strong gravitational force, it is believed that it causes the strong tides on it. Then and now, tidal fuse with the friction between Venus’ mantle and core which could be a reason for its flip.
Venus orbits the sun thrice (in 729.27) days while Earth revolves only twice in the same duration(in 728.50). Hence both the planets are locked in tidal resonance. In past days, it was assumed that the tidal resonance could be the cause of Venus’ clockwise rotation. However, in contemporary, scientists ensure that the force of the earth doesn’t affect the rotation of Venus.
Planetary Collision
According to another theory, Venus was in its original form when it was created, rotating counterclockwise like other planets. With the protoplanetary disks, it would be impossible for Venus to rotate clockwise. Something might have interrupted its rotation.
After the formation of the sun, other planets were evolved eventually. Though we have nine planets now, it was quite different in the beginning i.e., during the Big Bang. Numerous planets evolved in the early solar system, creating a messy configuration as none of the planets settled into their orbits. The gravitational force strongly pulled the other planets so close to each other that it resulted in massive collisions.
Every planet in the solar system would have gone through the crash phase in the past, including Venus. It must have collided at least one time, the massive crash at the right angle could have changed its rotation.
Interesting Venus Facts:
- Venus can cast a shadow and be visible in the daylight.
- Venus is also called a Morning Star or the Evening Star
- One day on Venus equals 200 Earth days
- The atmospheric pressure in Venus is 100 times denser than Earth’s pressure
- Venus is hotter than Mars and has a temperature of 462°C though remains far from the Sun
Hope you find this blog interesting. Check the 10 interesting and fun facts about Antares, the 15th brightest star.