Gravity changing trajectory/speed questions
#1
Posted 14 December 2012 - 12:02 PM
First, is that indeed what the "extra bend" in the arc is here or is it from something else?
Second, when this happens, does that speed up the object just as our spacecraft would be sped up?
Thanks!
#2
Posted 16 December 2012 - 10:32 AM
YesFirst, is that indeed what the "extra bend" in the arc is here or is it from something else?
In this case, the object will pass “ahead” of Earth with respect to our planet’s motion around the Sun.Second, when this happens, does that speed up the object just as our spacecraft would be sped up?
This means that it will be slowed down in its motion by the Earth’s attraction, which in turn means that its orbit will shrink and its period of revolution will become shorter. This is indeed the most important dynamical effect of the encounter. The semimajor axis of the orbit will be reduced from 1.002 AU to 0.909 AU and the period of revolution from 1.0030 y to 0.867 y.
It is not possible to tell now what will be the exact change of semimajor axis and revolution period, because of the present uncertainty in the exact distance of the closest approach. The “nominal” value is 33,400 km from the center of Earth, but the possible range is from about 27,000 km up to about 46,000 km.
Regards
Aldo Vitagliano
#3
Posted 16 December 2012 - 01:26 PM
#4
Posted 16 December 2012 - 06:58 PM
The semimajor axis of the orbit will be reduced from 1.002 AU to 0.909 AU and the period of revolution from 1.0030 y to 0.867 y.
Wow, that seems like a pretty substantial change. I think now I'm beginning to appreciate more fully the challenges in tracking all these different objects out there -- they are all interacting with one another and changing course/speed all the time! Thanks for the insight.
#5
Posted 18 December 2012 - 03:10 AM
#6
Posted 31 December 2012 - 01:56 AM
#7
Posted 31 December 2012 - 10:04 AM
Taras