Rotation Period

The rotation period of an astronomical object is the time that it takes to complete one revolution around its axis of rotation relative to the background stars. It differs from the planet's solar day, which includes an extra fractional rotation needed to accommodate the portion of the planet's orbital period during one day.

Read more about Rotation Period:  Measuring Rotation, Earth, Rotation Period of Selected Objects

Famous quotes containing the words rotation and/or period:

    The lazy manage to keep up with the earth’s rotation just as well as the industrious.
    Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    This [new] period of parenting is an intense one. Never will we know such responsibility, such productive and hard work, such potential for isolation in the caretaking role and such intimacy and close involvement in the growth and development of another human being.
    —Joan Sheingold Ditzion and Dennie Palmer (20th century)