NASA NTRS · 19780066370
Venus' rotation and atmospheric tides
Abstract
On the basis of a presented theory, it is suggested that Venus' current rotation is a stable balance between atmospheric and solar body tides. The theory is concerned with Venus' atmospheric tides, driven by solar heating, and how these tides could serve as a third torque to balance the effects of solar body torque and to maintain a stable equilibrium resonance with regard to the earth's gravitational effects. In the absence of the atmospheric tidal torque, or some other torque, it would be expected that Venus would be despun until synchronous rotation (one side always facing the sun) is attained, rather than retain the retrograde rotation period of 243 days.
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Ingersoll, A. P., Dobrovolskis, A. R.. 1978-09-07. Venus' rotation and atmospheric tides. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19780066370
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