The interior rotational period of a jovian planet is determined by:
A)measuring the precession of the spin axis of the planet, which is related directly to the planet's interior.
B)observing the effects of gravitational field variations on the orbital periods of the planet's moons.
C)observing cloudtops, because the clouds rotate with the overall planet on all the jovian planets.
D)observing radio emission variations that are associated with the magnetic field, the origin of which is deep in the planet's interior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Observing radio emission variations that are associated with the magnetic field, the origin of which is deep in the planet's interior is the most accurate method for determining the interior rotational period of a jovian planet. This technique has been used successfully to determine the rotational periods of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

The Interior Rotational Period of a Jovian Planet Is Determined