Retrograde Motion is the apparent backward movement of a planet across the night sky when viewed from Earth. Normally, planets gradually move in one direction against the distant background of stars, but at certain points they appear to slow down, stop, reverse direction, and later resume their usual path. The planet itself does not actually reverse its orbit. The effect occurs because Earth and the other planets travel around the Sun at different speeds and distances. When Earth overtakes a slower outer planet such as Mars, our changing viewpoint makes that planet temporarily appear to move backward, much like a slower car can seem to drift backward when viewed from a faster passing vehicle.
Framing Note: Frames are selected by the artist and are included primarily to protect the artwork during handling and transit. Collectors are welcome to reframe the artwork after receipt according to their personal preference.
Material: Mixed Metals
Imperial
Piece: 24" × 36"
Frame: 26" × 38"
Weight: 5.14 lbs
Metric
Piece: 61 × 91.4 cm
Frame: 66 × 96.5 cm
Weight: 2.33 kg
Retrograde Motion is the apparent backward movement of a planet across the night sky when viewed from Earth. Normally, planets gradually move in one direction against the distant background of stars, but at certain points they appear to slow down, stop, reverse direction, and later resume their usual path. The planet itself does not actually reverse its orbit. The effect occurs because Earth and the other planets travel around the Sun at different speeds and distances. When Earth overtakes a slower outer planet such as Mars, our changing viewpoint makes that planet temporarily appear to move backward, much like a slower car can seem to drift backward when viewed from a faster passing vehicle.
Framing Note: Frames are selected by the artist and are included primarily to protect the artwork during handling and transit. Collectors are welcome to reframe the artwork after receipt according to their personal preference.
Material: Mixed Metals
Imperial
Piece: 24" × 36"
Frame: 26" × 38"
Weight: 5.14 lbs
Metric
Piece: 61 × 91.4 cm
Frame: 66 × 96.5 cm
Weight: 2.33 kg
