What is the difference between the synodic and sidereal periods of a planet?
A) The synodic period refers to the planet's period with respect to Earth's motion, whereas the sidereal period is the true period with respect to the background stars.
B) There is no difference; they are one and the same time period. The synodic period is the name used in the geocentric theory, whereas the sidereal period is the name used in the heliocentric theory.
C) The synodic period refers to the planet's motion with respect to the background stars, whereas the sidereal period is the true period with respect to Earth's motion.
D) The synodic period refers to the planet's rotation around its axis, whereas the sidereal period is the time for one orbit.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The synodic period of a planet is the time it takes for the planet to return to the same position in the sky relative to the Sun, as seen from Earth, which involves Earth's motion around the Sun. The sidereal period is the time it takes for the planet to complete one orbit around the Sun relative to the fixed stars, representing its true orbital period.

What Is the Difference Between the Synodic and Sidereal Periods