Venus has a retrograde rotation , meaning it spins clockwise on its axis , which is opposite to the direction of most planets in the Solar System that rotate counterclockwise (prograde rotation) when viewed from above their north poles
. Key details about Venus's rotation include:
- It takes about 243 Earth days for Venus to complete one full rotation on its axis, which is slower than its orbital period around the Sun (about 224.7 Earth days). This means a day on Venus (one rotation) is longer than a Venusian year (one orbit)
- Because of this retrograde spin, the Sun would appear to rise in the west and set in the east if viewed from Venus's surface, although the thick clouds prevent direct observation
- Venus's axis tilt is about 177°, making it appear almost "upside down," which is consistent with its retrograde rotation
- The slow retrograde rotation is thought to result from complex interactions including a possible giant collision early in its history, gravitational tidal forces from the Sun, and the influence of its dense atmosphere
In summary, Venus rotates very slowly and in the opposite direction to most planets, exhibiting a retrograde rotation with a period of about 243 Earth days.
