This is for an astronomy class that I don't quite understand yet. The teacher just keeps telling me the same thing. Look for it and you will find it, so I've decided to look for help from others who may know and help me understand more. Thank you..
2006-12-07 06:05:32 · 4 answers · asked by babygirl86034 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
A picture's worth a thousand words! Have a look at this - http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/anisamples/astronomy/sidereal.html
2006-12-07 06:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by Iridflare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
JC has it correct, but from our viewpoint on Earth, the synodic period seems to be in relation to the Sun. For example, Mars passes behind the Sun once every 780 days, and looking down on the orbits from far above the solar system, Earth passes Mars once every 780 days, because Mars orbits slower than Earth and has a longer orbit. But Mars passes the same fixed place in space once every 678 days. The 678 days is the sidereal period, and also the Martian year.
2006-12-07 14:39:12 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sidereal period of a planet, or other orbitting body, is the time it takes to complete an orbit of the sun and return to the same position relative to the stars.
The synodic period is the time it takes to return in the same position relative to the sun, as viewed from Earth.
As the synodic period is relative to the Earth, the sidereal period is seen as the 'true' orbit.
2006-12-07 14:30:22 · answer #3 · answered by JC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are talking about the periods of the moon. The Synodic period is the time it takes for the moon to get back to the same place relative to the stars. 27.5 days. The sidereal perid is the time from full moon to full moon. 29.5 days.
I hope I don't have those reversed. It's been a while
2006-12-07 14:18:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋