11/20/2023 0 Comments Retrograde motion example![]() However, since Earth completes its orbit in a shorter period of time than these outer planets, we occasionally overtake an outer planet, like a faster car on a multiple-lane highway. This motion is normal for these planets, so its name is a direct motion (not retrograde). Though these planets appear to move from east to west on a nightly basis in response to the spin of Earth, they are most of the time drifting slowly eastward with respect to the background of stars. The latter term is used in reference to the motion of the outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and so forth). Retrograde motion should not be confused with retrogradation. These retrograde satellites can be seen in the sky going westward. There are also artificial satellites that orbit clockwise as seen from the pole star. However, since the space shuttle and satellites that are moving eastward would appear from Polaris to be orbiting the Earth counterclockwise, they are considered direct satellites. This orbit also may be considered retrograde motion. However, it is possible to observe a body moving west to east, such as an artificial satellite or space shuttle. The motion of most bodies in the sky is from east to west. When we observe the sky, we expect most objects to move in a particular direction with the time. Some comets and small asteroids orbit the Sun in retrograde orbits. Some small moons orbit clockwise around their planet, and are called retrograde satellites. Venus and Uranus spin clockwise, so they have a retrograde rotation. Rotation in the opposite sense is called retrograde. These motions are called “direct” or “prograde.” Retrograde Most planets spin in the same sense, including Earth. In the Solar system, all major planets orbit the Sun counterclockwise as seen from Polaris. “Retrograde” is derived from the Latin words retro, backwards, and gradus, step. Dimmest (12).Retrograde motion is the orbital motion of a spatial body in a direction that is opposite of what is normal in a given system. Have the students find where Mars appears brightest (4 or 5).Notice that Mars appears to lag behind Earth (retrograde) from 4 until 10, after which Mars begins to catch up with Earth again. As you do this for all positions, pause to analyze the distances and direction of Mars. Rotate Earth's orbit, keeping your fingers moving to 2. Place a finger from each hand on the position 1 for both planets. Show that Mars takes longer than 12 months to make one complete trip around the sun. Point out the orbits of Mars and Earth are not centered on the sun. Show the students the transparency of Explaining Retrograde Motion of Mars.Why would Mars change in size and brightness? (As it gets closer to Earth, it would appear to increase in size and brightness.).What happened to its brightness? (Mars became brighter as it grew in size and then dimmer as it reduced in size.).Was there any change in Mars' appearance at this time? (Yes, it increased in size from #1 to its largest size on August 11 at position #7.(The planet began to move westward after #5 until #9 when it began to move eastward again.) What is the direction of Mars from #1 position to #4? (eastward) (Trace the path of Mars from #1 to #13.) Look at the path. ![]() ![]()
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