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retrograde orbit |
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retrograde orbit [′re·trə‚grād ′ȯr·bət] (astronomy) Motion in an orbit opposite to the usual orbital direction of celestial bodies within a given system; specifically, of a satellite, motion in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the primary. Also known as retrograde motion. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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These retrograde orbits have led astronomers to speculate that the irregular moons were captured by the fully formed planets from the vast reservoir of icy debris in the young solar system. Dust created by rocky debris striking the main moons isn't likely to end up in retrograde orbits, and not enough material could have been knocked off Jupiter's four small, retrograde moons to account for the ring, the researchers assert. Triton has a retrograde orbit -- moving clockwise around the planet Neptune while most other bodies in the solar system revolve counterclockwise--and it may host what would be the only known liquid-Nitrogen ocean. |
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