Astronomy Answers: From the Astronomical Dictionary

Astronomy Answers
From the Astronomical Dictionary


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The description of the word you requested from the astronomical dictionary is given below.

the differential rotation

differentis = [Latin] different; rotatio = [Latin] rotation

Differential rotation is rotation in which not every part of the object has the same period of rotation. Only objects that are not solid can show differential rotation. In the Solar System, differential rotation occurs in, among other things, the Sun, the giant gaseous planets, and the atmosphere of the Earth.