[ Home | Articles | Meetings | NightTimes | Dictionary | Mentors | Contacts | Links | Downloads ]

Yes, as far as astronomers have been able to determine. Rotation on an axis is a standard behavior for all bodies in space, both within our solar system and beyond. The planets and Sun rotate, as do stars and galaxies. From a practical standpoint, rotation stores energy and provides stability. In most cases, astronomers are able to determine the period of rotation with a fairly high order of precision. In our solar system, cloud-covered Venus offered the greatest challenge to a precise determination of its period.

... published in the February 1999 issue of the NightTimes

Webmaster: webmaster@lcas-astronomy.org

[ Home | Articles | Meetings | NightTimes | Dictionary | Mentors | Contacts | Links | Downloads ]