An Animation Showing the Rotation Speed and Axial Tilts of the Planets in Our Solar System

Dr. James O’Donoghue, a Planetary Astronomer at JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) created an animation of the planets in our solar system. Using NASA imagery for each planet, O’Donoghue plotted the exact rotation periods (in hours and days) and the angle at which they rotate (axial tilt).

Sidereal days, axial tilts (obliquity to orbit) and relative rotation rates shown.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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