Feel free to engage in wild speculation. This is an unanswered question by astronomers.
2006-12-05 06:26:23 · 3 answers · asked by Meaghan S 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Well, it is not exactly "unanswered".
However, there are two theories, each one is possible (and it could be a combination of both).
1. The collision (as pito16places says)
2. Tidal effect of the Sun. Mercury, being closer to the Sun, has already achieved a tidal-synchroneous rotation. Earth, being further away, has a long way to go.
Presently, number 1 is favored. A year ago, number 2 was the favorite.
2006-12-05 06:42:58 · answer #1 · answered by Raymond 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will give the most commonly accepted theory, that Venus was hit by another large celestial body early in its history, and the colision was so massive it changed Venus's rotation.
2006-12-05 06:29:52 · answer #2 · answered by pito16places 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Didn't know she did!
Maybe that's why she lost her arms?
2006-12-05 06:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋