What movement creates the illusion that the Sun, Moon, and planets traverse the sky from East to West?
Answer
Earth's rotation on its axis
The perception that celestial objects move across the sky from East to West is an illusion generated by the observer's frame of reference, which is Earth itself. Earth spins consistently on its axis. Specifically, when viewed from above the North Pole, this rotation occurs in a counter-clockwise direction. This constant spin causes everything visible in the sky—the Sun, Moon, and all planets—to appear to follow a predictable arc, moving from the eastern horizon where they ascend, to the western horizon where they descend. This daily arc underpins all standard astronomical reference points for Earth-bound viewers.
Related Questions
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