Interactive Lab
Synchronous Rotation (Tidal Locking)
A tidally locked moon takes the exact same time to rotate once on its axis as it takes to complete one orbit around its parent planet (1:1 spin-orbit ratio). Watch the Green Sub-Planetary Vector fixed to the Moon's surface!
Compare Moon Rotation Behavior:
Presets:
Rotational Dynamics
Prograde Spin
Earth rotates once every 23.93 hours with an axial tilt of 23.44°, driving our seasonal cycles.
Orbital Period
365.25 days
Diameter
12,742 km
1 Earth
Mass
5.97 × 10²⁴ kg
1 Earth
Astrophysical Overview
Earth is the largest terrestrial planet and the only known astronomical object to harbor life. Its large Moon stabilizes Earth's axial tilt and gradually slows Earth's rotation via tidal friction.
System Satellites / Parent
Tap to Focus
3D Vector Legend
Green Arrow: Prime Meridian / Tidal Lock Vector
Cyan Rod: North/South Rotational Axis & Tilt
Gold Line: Gravity Line to Parent Body