Question

When viewed from above the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth orbits the Sun at an average distance of:

• A. 149.60 million km in a counterclockwise direction
• B. 149.60 million km in a clockwise direction
• C. 149.60 billion km in a counterclockwise direction
• D. 149.60 billion km in a clockwise direction

Hint:

Remember: Earth revolves counterclockwise (as seen from the North Pole) and covers ~149.6 million km from the Sun.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the correct description of Earth's orbit when viewed from above the Northern Hemisphere, we need to consider both the orbital distance and direction.

1. Understanding Earth's Orbital Distance:
The average distance from Earth to the Sun is approximately:
149.60 million kilometers (not billion).
This value is known as one Astronomical Unit (AU).

2. Understanding Orbital Direction:
When viewed from above the Northern Hemisphere:
All planets in our solar system orbit the Sun counterclockwise.
This is due to the initial angular momentum of the protoplanetary disk from which the solar system formed.

3. Eliminating Incorrect Options:
Any option mentioning "billion km" is incorrect - this distance would place Earth far beyond Pluto's orbit.
The "clockwise" direction options are incorrect for the Northern Hemisphere perspective.

4. Correct Combination:
The accurate description combines:
The correct distance (149.60 million km)
The correct direction (counterclockwise)

Final Answer:
149.60 million km in a counterclockwise direction