Which planet is the only one to rotate clockwise?

Which planet is the only one to rotate clockwise?

• A. Earth
• B. Venus
• C. Mars
• D. Mercury

Answer: (B)

Venus is unique among the planets in our solar system because it rotates on its axis in a clockwise direction, a motion known as retrograde rotation. Most planets, including Earth, rotate counterclockwise or in what is known as prograde rotation. This retrograde rotation means that on Venus, the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east, which is the opposite of what occurs on Earth. In addition to its unusual rotation, Venus also has a very slow rotation period, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one full rotation. This is longer than its year, which is approximately 225 Earth days. The combination of Venus's clockwise rotation and its slow speed, along with its thick atmosphere which creates a strong greenhouse effect, makes it one of the most intriguing planets in our solar system.

Venus is unique among the planets in our solar system because it rotates on its axis in a clockwise direction, a motion known as retrograde rotation. Most planets, including Earth, rotate counterclockwise or in what is known as prograde rotation.

This retrograde rotation means that on Venus, the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east, which is the opposite of what occurs on Earth. In addition to its unusual rotation, Venus also has a very slow rotation period, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one full rotation. This is longer than its year, which is approximately 225 Earth days.

The combination of Venus's clockwise rotation and its slow speed, along with its thick atmosphere which creates a strong greenhouse effect, makes it one of the most intriguing planets in our solar system.