Which statement describes revolution in astronomy?

Which statement describes revolution in astronomy?

• A. The tilt of Earth's axis
• B. The rotation of Earth on its axis
• C. The orbit of the Moon around Earth
• D. Earth's yearlong elliptical orbit around the Sun

Answer: (D)

Revolution in astronomy means the motion of a body as it travels around another body under gravity. The classic example is Earth moving in an elliptical path around the Sun, completing one circuit in about a year. This orbital motion is different from rotation, which is spinning on one’s own axis (like Earth turning once per day). The tilt describes orientation, not motion around another body. The Moon’s orbit around Earth is also a kind of revolution, but the statement about Earth’s yearlong orbit around the Sun captures the idea of a planet repeatedly circling a larger body, producing the yearly cycle.

Revolution in astronomy means the motion of a body as it travels around another body under gravity. The classic example is Earth moving in an elliptical path around the Sun, completing one circuit in about a year. This orbital motion is different from rotation, which is spinning on one’s own axis (like Earth turning once per day). The tilt describes orientation, not motion around another body. The Moon’s orbit around Earth is also a kind of revolution, but the statement about Earth’s yearlong orbit around the Sun captures the idea of a planet repeatedly circling a larger body, producing the yearly cycle.