2006-12-03 07:46:49 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I never really though about it, but Jupiter's day is way shorter than Earth's. I don't think anybody has ever explained why that should be.
2006-12-03 07:52:27 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The inner planets are made of rock and probably didn't do much condensing since they are small. The outer planets are liquid and are have much more gravity then say Earth or Mars. As the gas giants formed, the material that formed them condensed and condensed as more and more material was drawn in by gravity. As the forming gas giant condensed (collapsed might be a better term), it spun faster and faster. Similar to how ice skaters spin faster as they bring their arms closer together. That's probably why planets like jupiter spin faster then earth.
2006-12-03 09:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by Roman Soldier 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is not a large planet and orbits very quickly.
2006-12-03 07:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by Waverly Pascale 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That isn't always true. It is just the effect of inertia and gravity on the planets.
2006-12-03 07:51:43 · answer #4 · answered by Sarai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋