Which way does the earth spin in reference to the sun?

Question

If say I had a large ball representing the sun and a smaller one the earth, and I touch the balls together and made the smaller ball roll around the outside of the larger? Is this the same direction of rotation of the earth or is it rotating in reverse?

Answer 1

Here is a link showing the rotation and revolution of the Earth. It's a bit hard to see, but the Earth is spinning counter-clockwise.

Answer 2

In particular relativity, any reference body will do for describing secure LINEAR action. yet for rotation and revolution, some reference frames are more advantageous positive than others. The Earth going around the daylight each and every 12 months is revolution. The Earth spinning on its axis each day is rotation. those are perfect defined in a reference body that does no longer spin. truly, astronomers use a body it extremely is established on the midsection of gravity of the picture voltaic equipment, and has XYZ axis that factor at certain quasars. See the first link for more advantageous information. (The sluggish revolution of the total image voltaic equipment around the galaxy is so small, that is often surpassed over.) If we used a reference body in which the Earth grow to be table certain, then the equations of action can be a lot more advantageous complicated. they could want a minimum of three more advantageous non-linear words for each planet. In severe-accuracy equations of regularly occurring relativity, we want to apply the more advantageous words besides. So then it would not make any distinction mathematically what reference equipment we use, regardless of if we use an accelerating rotating equipment. The equations are in simple terms as complicated for any reference equipment. notwithstanding it takes a lot less explaining, and is way less complicated to degree, if we use a similar reference body as for particular relativity. observe: a "reference equipment" is the perception, in organic mathematical words. A "reference body" is the smart, authentic element we ought to apply, with authentic telescopes.

Answer 3

All Planets (save one) rotate in the same direction, counterclockwise if you look down at their N pole. Even the Sun has a rotation of about 27 days. So discounting the tilt of the axis of the Earth (23 deg 27 mins) or of the Sun (7.25 deg off the orbit of the Earth) they are turning in the same direction at different rates.

They would not mesh like in your example or like two engaged gears that rotate opposite directions.

Answer 4

Yes, the Earth's rotation around it's axis is prograde, which means it rotates in the same direction that it orbits the sun. If observed from above the north pole, this would be counter-clockwise.

Answer 5

Yes, you got it. The Earth rotates in the same direction it revolves, as if it were rolling along its orbit.