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Why does Venus appear to spin in the opposite direction from all the other planets in the solar system?

O Venus has a small orbital period compared to most of the other planets.
O The size of Venus is making it spin in the opposite direction of the other planets.
O Venus has the longest rotational period of all of the planets.
The axial tilt of Venus is so large that it is almost tipped upside down.

User Mobibob
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Venus appears to spin in the opposite direction due to its retrograde rotation caused by a past catastrophic event.


Step-by-step explanation:

Venus appears to spin in the opposite direction from all the other planets in the solar system due to its retrograde rotation. Retrograde rotation means that Venus spins clockwise, whereas most of the planets, including Earth, spin counterclockwise. This phenomenon is believed to be the result of a catastrophic event, such as a large collision, in Venus' early history. The impact may have caused the planet to start spinning in the opposite direction, and its slow rotation rate has been maintained ever since.


Learn more about retrograde rotation

User DRCB
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