Re: Planet rotation

[Rick Tarara <rbtarara@SPRYNET.COM>]

My first thought is that the rotational period can match the orbital period
(like the moon around the earth) but if it slows below that then tidal
forces would increase it.  I'm sure others can be more definitive.

Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Braunsdorf <JBRAUNSDORF@DELPHI.COM>
To: <PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 1999 10:41 AM
Subject: Planet rotation


> I was reading a couple of recent notes and started wondering about
planetary rotations.
>       Is it possible for a planet not to rotate?
>
> I believe from a dim recollection of past readings that planet rotation is
a
> residual effect of the accretion of particles that formed the planet
bringing
> momentum through collisions.  I know it can be affected by tidal forces.
> Can it be zero? Why or why not?
>
> Probably no world-turning significance.... just curiousity.
>
> Jim Braunsdorf