2007-03-20 09:50:47 · 7 answers · asked by marissa 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The apparent position of planets (compared to the "fixed" stars) can be seen to change over periods of months (or even weeks for the closer ones).
Those who are closely watching a part of the sky can see changes over a day or two. A few years ago, I was plotting the position of Jupiter among the stars (for a project). And I could see changes from day to day. Not dramatic changes, but subtle changes that accumulated from day to day.
The fixed stars are also moving. However, they are so far from us that it takes entire lifetimes (AND fine instruments) to be able to detect their movement.
So, the main reason is distance: the planets are so much closer than the stars.
2007-03-20 09:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by Raymond 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The planets are not just closer - they are millions of times closer than most stars.
It took hundreds of years after the invention of the telescope before it was possible to measure star movement.
2007-03-20 09:54:51 · answer #2 · answered by nick s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The planets are closer to the earth, so the movement is more apparant.
2007-03-20 09:53:44 · answer #3 · answered by llxxkaylaxxll 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the planets are closer
2007-03-20 09:53:30 · answer #4 · answered by jtf7793 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because they are light years closer than the stars.
2007-03-20 09:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are closer than stars
2007-03-20 09:53:35 · answer #6 · answered by veagam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because starts constantly move from where they were.
2007-03-20 09:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by katherine k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋