Re: Planet rotation

[Samuel Held <Held@RHIP.PHYS.UTK.EDU>]

Jim,
        I do not have an answer but my intuition is that it would be a
very, very rare process if it did occur.  My question is why do all the
planets rotate in the same direction except Venus?  (I think I have the
right planet - and I also think that Pluto doesn't count).  Thanks.


Sam Held


-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Tarara [mailto:rbtarara@SPRYNET.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 1999 12:35 PM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: Re: Planet rotation


My first thought is that the rotational period can match the orbital
period
(like the moon around the earth) but if it slows below that then tidal
forces would increase it.  I'm sure others can be more definitive.

Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Braunsdorf <JBRAUNSDORF@DELPHI.COM>
To: <PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 1999 10:41 AM
Subject: Planet rotation


> I was reading a couple of recent notes and started wondering about
planetary rotations.
>       Is it possible for a planet not to rotate?
>
> I believe from a dim recollection of past readings that planet
rotation is
a
> residual effect of the accretion of particles that formed the planet
bringing
> momentum through collisions.  I know it can be affected by tidal
forces.
> Can it be zero? Why or why not?
>
> Probably no world-turning significance.... just curiousity.
>
> Jim Braunsdorf