What does Mercury retrograde mean? NASA explains it

Mercury retrograde explained by NASA (Photo: Pixabay)

For centuries, the astrological phenomenon known as Mercury retrograde has been the subject of debate and superstition.

From disputes with a partner to minor setbacks such as a broken car part, many have blamed this apparent movement of the planet closest to the Sun for their misfortunes. However, modern science discredits these beliefs, classifying them as pseudoscience.

“Mercury retrograde” is an event that occurs approximately every four months, when the planet Mercury appears to recede in its orbit around the Sun from Earth’s perspective. Although this optical illusion is real, its connection with earthly events has no scientific basis.

For NASA, retrograde motion is, in fact, an apparent phenomenon observed from Earth when a planet appears to move in the opposite direction to its normal motion across the sky. This effect is an optical illusion caused by the difference in the relative orbital speeds of the Earth and the planet in question.

This is the date on which the planet Mercury can be seen with greater definition. Credits: Photojournal nasa.gov

It does not imply that the planet is actually receding in its orbit; it just seems to do so from our earthly perspective. This phenomenon has been studied and explained by astronomy for centuries and is well understood by scientists.

For her part, Carolyn Ernst, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and vice chair of NASA’s Mercury Exploration Evaluation Group, explains this phenomenon using a simple analogy.

Compare Mercury’s retrograde motion to the experience of driving on a multi-lane highway: When you pass a car in another slower lane, it may appear to be moving backwards compared to you, even though both vehicles are moving in the same lane. address.

Despite the scientific explanation behind “Mercury retrograde,” belief in its influence persists in Western culture, especially in astrology. It is argued that this period can cause confusion, misunderstandings and communication problems, leading to a series of mishaps in daily life.

However, astronomers and scientists insist that there is no credible evidence to support the idea that planetary movements have a direct impact on people’s lives. The astrological interpretation of these events is based on ancient traditions and not on verifiable scientific observations.

Although “Mercury retrograde” may continue to be a topic of interest to some, it is essential to distinguish between science and popular belief. While astronomy offers explanations based on empirical evidence, astrology relies on subjective interpretations and unproven assumptions.

For 2024, this astronomical phenomenon has three periods, where the planet “will go backwards” in the ranges of these dates, it is estimated:

Although Mercury may appear to recede in its orbit from our terrestrial perspective, its supposed effect on our lives remains a myth without solid scientific foundations.