Mercury’s rotation
from class:
Intro to Astronomy
Definition
Mercury’s rotation is the spinning movement of Mercury around its own axis. It has a unique rotational period in relation to its orbital period around the Sun, known as a 3:2 spin-orbit resonance.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Mercury completes one full rotation on its axis approximately every 59 Earth days.
- A day on Mercury (one full day-night cycle) lasts about 176 Earth days due to its slow rotation and quick orbit around the Sun.
- Mercury's rotational period and orbital period are in a 3:2 resonance; it rotates three times for every two orbits it completes around the Sun.
- This spin-orbit resonance results from gravitational interactions with the Sun.
- The planet's slow rotation contributes to extreme temperature variations between its day and night sides.
Review Questions
- What is the duration of one full rotation of Mercury on its axis?
- Explain Mercury's unique spin-orbit resonance and how it affects a Mercurian day.
- How do Mercury's rotational characteristics contribute to temperature variations on its surface?
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