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Question: 1 / 460

Which planet spins in the opposite direction of most planets?

Earth

Mercury

Venus

The planet that spins in the opposite direction of most planets in our solar system is Venus. Most planets rotate on their axes in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above the North Pole. However, Venus has a retrograde rotation, meaning it rotates clockwise.

This unique rotational behavior is thought to result from significant collisions or gravitational influences in its past, which altered its spin. This retrograde rotation also leads to Venus having a very slow rotation period, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation, while it orbits the Sun in about 225 Earth days. This unusual combination contributes to the high surface temperatures on Venus, as it has a thick atmosphere trapping heat effectively.

Understanding this aspect of Venus's rotation helps highlight the diversity of planetary characteristics in our solar system and emphasizes the need to study each planet's specific history and physical dynamics.

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Jupiter

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