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UPSC Prelims 1994 · World Geography · Earth in Space
The length of its day and the tilt of its axis are almost identical to those of the earth'. This is true of
- (a) Uranus
- (b) Neptune
- (c) Saturn
- (d) Mars
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Mars
Mars has a day of ~24.6 hours and an axial tilt of ~25° — very close to Earth’s.
The idea
A planet’s rotation period controls the length of its day, while axial tilt helps control its seasons. These are separate properties and both must match the clue. A familiar orbit or similar surface appearance is not enough.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Uranus is tilted ~98°.
(b) Neptune’s day is ~16 h.
(c) Saturn’s day is ~10.7 h.
Also know
A Martian solar day is called a sol and is about 24 hours 39 minutes; its rotation relative to the stars is about 24 hours 37 minutes. Its year lasts about 687 Earth days, so its seasons last longer than Earth’s. Phobos and Deimos are its two natural moons.
🔒 Mars: sol 24 h 37 min, tilt 25.2° — so it has seasons.
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