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3-2
spin-orbit coupling
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Mercury
rotates 3 times every 2 orbits around the sun
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Most
planets/satellites rotate independently or in 1-to-1 spin-orbit coupling
(synchronous rotation, e.g. our moon)
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Reason:
Mercury is lopsided and has an eccentric orbit
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Earth-based
optical telescopes can't see that well
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Discovered
using radio telescopes
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Measured
temperature of nighttime side to be too warm
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used
RADAR to measure rate of rotation
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If
you stood on Mercury, the sun would move backwards sometimes! Also
very
cold or very hot
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