Back to Glossary

Retrograde motion

Retrograde motion is the apparent backward movement of a planet across the sky, as observed from Earth. This optical illusion occurs when Earth, traveling in its orbit, overtakes an outer planet like Mars, making the planet appear to reverse direction temporarily against the backdrop of stars.

Source: apod.nasa.gov

APODs including "Retrograde motion"

Mars in the Loop

Mars in the Loop

30/05/2025

When Z is for Mars

When Z is for Mars

15/04/2023

Saturn and Jupiter in Summer 2020

Saturn and Jupiter in Summer 2020

12/12/2020

Mars in the Loop

Mars in the Loop

08/11/2018

55 Nights with Saturn

55 Nights with Saturn

29/09/2018

Retrograde Mars and Saturn

Retrograde Mars and Saturn

15/09/2016

Retrograde Mars

Retrograde Mars

28/10/2014

Mars in the Loop

Mars in the Loop

09/08/2012

Retrograde Mars

Retrograde Mars

13/06/2010

Retrograde Mars

Retrograde Mars

11/05/2008

Three Month Composite of Comet Holmes

Three Month Composite of Comet Holmes

05/02/2008

Three Years of Saturn

Three Years of Saturn

07/04/2007

Z is for Mars

Z is for Mars

22/04/2006

S is for Venus

S is for Venus

07/01/2005

Retrograde Mars

Retrograde Mars

16/12/2003

Jupiter and Saturn Pas de Deux

Jupiter and Saturn Pas de Deux

20/12/2001