Article
Article
Earth rotation and orbital motion
Article By:
McCarthy, Dennis D. Formerly, Time Service Division, U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington, DC.
Last reviewed:2014
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.209400
The rotation of the Earth about its axis is demonstrated by the classical Foucault pendulum experiment. Its revolution in its orbit around the Sun is shown by the annual parallactic displacement of relatively nearby stars with respect to the background of more distant stars. However, because the Earth is not truly a rigid, symmetric body and because it interacts with other members of the solar system gravitationally, these motions vary with time. See also: Foucault pendulum; Orbital motion; Parallax (astronomy)
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Its dedicated editorial team is led by Sagan Award winner John Rennie. Contributors include more than 9000 highly qualified scientists and 39 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8500 articles and Research Reviews covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 17,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
Watch the YouTube video
