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retrograde (motion)
That which is contrary to the usual sense. More specifically, rotation or orbital motion in a clockwise direction when viewed from above the north pole of the primary (i.e. in the opposite sense to most satellites); the opposite of direct motion. The north pole is the one on the same side of the ecliptic as Earth’s north pole. For example, Venus displays retrograde axial rotation and the outer four moons of Jupiter display retrograde orbital rotation.
Related category
• CELESTIAL MECHANICS
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