sidereal period
The term "sidereal period" is crucial in astronomy for understanding the true orbital and rotational periods of celestial bodies, independent of Earth's movement.
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Definition
C1Orbital Mechanics
(technical, academic)The time it takes for a celestial body to complete one full orbit around another body, measured relative to distant stars.
Example
- The sidereal period of the Earth is approximately 365.256 days.
- Astronomers use the sidereal period to calculate the true orbital characteristics of planets.
C1Rotational Dynamics
(technical, academic)The duration required for a celestial body to complete one full rotation on its axis, measured relative to distant stars.
Example
- Jupiter's sidereal period of rotation is about 9.9 hours.
- The sidereal period helps scientists understand the rotational behavior of stars and planets.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sidereal period":
sidereal yearsidereal dayrotational periodsynodic monthlunar month