Astronomy > Planetary Astronomy
DCS# 8A10.55

RETROGRADE MOTION DEMONSTRATOR

retrograde motion demonstrator


APPARATUS
 
retrograde motion demonstrator 202-10-E

DESCRIPTION
This is a hand-cranked model of two planets orbiting the sun at different rates, with the inner planet circling faster than the outer.  The sides of the planets opposite the sun are painted black.  The rod shows the line of sight between the two planets.  This is used to show how one planet will at times appear to reverse direction from the perspective of the other.