Earth rotates in which direction around its rotation axis?

Earth rotates in which direction around its rotation axis?

• A. Eastward
• B. Clockwise
• C. Westward
• D. Counterclockwise

Answer: (D)

From above the North Pole, Earth spins counterclockwise. This follows the standard view used in astronomy: when you look down on the planet from the northern side, its rotation proceeds in a direction opposite to a clock’s hands. That counterclockwise spin also corresponds to the planet turning toward the east, which is why the Sun rises in the east. So the best description of the rotation direction, in this common reference frame, is counterclockwise.

From above the North Pole, Earth spins counterclockwise. This follows the standard view used in astronomy: when you look down on the planet from the northern side, its rotation proceeds in a direction opposite to a clock’s hands. That counterclockwise spin also corresponds to the planet turning toward the east, which is why the Sun rises in the east. So the best description of the rotation direction, in this common reference frame, is counterclockwise.