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Astro*Dictionary by Michael Erlewine

 

 

 

 

2 article for "Differential"

Differential Motion [Munkasey M.]

A term used to refer to the fact that in any rotating system, or a system which revolves around a central point, the farther away that an object is from the center the faster its velocity is. The term arises from the fact that different bodies at different positions will move at different speeds.

See also:
♦ Astronomy ♦ Astrophysics
Differential Rotation [Astro*Index]

Refers to the Sun and the gas giants, especially Jupiter, whose surfaces exhibit different rates of rotation. The equatorial band rotate faster than the rest of the body; consequently more than one value must be used when referring to its rotational period.

See also:
♦ Axial Rotation

 

Astro*Index Copyright © 1997 Michael Erlewine