Which planet is orbiting like a clock

Mercury is the planet that exhibits a unique orbital pattern resembling that of a clock. Its orbit around the Sun has a relatively high eccentricity, meaning it is more elongated and less circular compared to other planets in our solar system. As a result, Mercury's orbital speed varies throughout its journey, causing it to move faster when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is farther away.


This orbital behavior gives rise to a phenomenon known as "resonance." Over time, the gravitational interactions between Mercury and the Sun result in a specific pattern where Mercury completes three rotations on its axis for every two orbits around the Sun. This resonance is similar to the ticking of a clock, and it takes about 88 Earth days for Mercury to complete one orbit around the Sun.

The combination of Mercury's eccentric orbit and the resonance phenomenon creates a fascinating orbital pattern, making it a distinctive planet in terms of its orbital dynamics.

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