Planetary Definition and 306 Threads

  1. M

    MHB Destroying a Planetary System: Analyzing Solid's Destruction Function

    Hey! :o I have to write a function for the destruction of the planetary system "solid". With the destruction of the planetary system, the asteroids where the gap between this one and the object, is smaller that "gap" will also be destructed. (so, they have to be deleted) The asteroids for which...
  2. S

    Best planetary composition for flight

    I am trying to figure out how to make a world where flight is a lot easier. How much easier could it be on a human (or near human) habitable world? Lower gravitational force might help although too low would presumably be untenable due to loss of the atmosphere? A higher pressure atmosphere...
  3. J

    Planetary Orbits & Orbital Velocity

    Hi pf, please could someone explain why the orbital velocity increases as you get closer to the sun. I treated the situation like circular motion and did a load of calculations. I calculated the orbital velocity of all 8 planets and then the force between each of the eight planets and the sun. I...
  4. Zack Davis

    Escape Velocity and Gravitational Force

    Hey Guys! I've been doing a few equations in regards to planetary escape velocity and gravitational force. The below links have the escape velocity of listed planet on the left side of the board, the gravitational force between the Sun and given planet on the right side. In the middle of the...
  5. S

    Doubt about Frame Dragging and planetary revolution

    Our sun rotates in counter clockwise direction and hence frame dragging will be also in that direction. Suppose if we put a satellite in sun's orbit (almost circular) to revolve in opposite direction to the sun's spin, what would happen to the orbit of the satellite? Would it fall into the sun?
  6. K

    Understanding Planetary Motion: A Calculus 3 Homework Solution

    Homework Statement The Attempt at a Solution Honestly I'm completely lost, this is an assignment for my calc 3 class. I tried to do (a) but I think I'm completely off track so any helps appreciated. r x a=0 |r x a|=0=|r||a|sin(theta) r cannot be 0 since it's in the denominator Assuming...
  7. P

    Planetary Physics Homework Help | Solving Non-Linear Differential Equations

    Good afternoon folks. I am getting ready to start a Planetary Physics course next week and have been doing some of the old homework that is posted on the course site. I am struggling to figure this one out and would love some help. It's been about 5 years since first year calculus, so I am a...
  8. S

    Stuck on a planetary physic problem; HELP

    PROBLEM: As the solar nebula cooled, grains of dust achieved thermal equilibrium with the young sun. We can assume the young Sun had a luminosity of 75% of the present day value, find the distance from the sun at which grains of water ice first become stable; known as the snow line. Assume...
  9. B

    Increasing Planetary Rotational Speed

    Hey there folks, As a forward: I'm trying to build a "high fantasy" universe in which to write stories, but within its historical timeline of events there are some cosmological happenings that I'd prefer to not just wave a wand at, so to speak. I'd like there to be at least SOME solid...
  10. S

    Calculating Orbital Radius from Albedo and Temperature?

    Homework Statement Assume that a planet can have an atmosphere if the escape speed of the planet is 6 times larger than the thermal speed of the molecules in the atmosphere (also known as the root-mean-square molecular velocity). Suppose a hypothetical object having the same mass and radius...
  11. C

    Planetary motion equations integral

    I was reading Planetary Motion (page 117) in Barry Spain's *Tensor calculus*, and stupidly enough, I didn't understand this. The equations are: $$\frac{d^2\psi}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2}{r}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = 0,$$ $$\frac{d^2t}{d\sigma^2} +...
  12. AotrsCommander

    Tidal Acceleration and planetary rotation

    I'm struggling to get my head around tidal acceleration. I get what is IS, I know how to calculate it, but what I'm not sure is how to apply it in a way that's meaningful to me. So. If we took a stationary Earth (i.e. non rotating, tide-locked) and have the moon magically appear in orbit and...
  13. T

    Planetary Motion with satellite

    Homework Statement A 20 kg satellite has a circular orbit with a period 2.4 h and radius 8.0×106m around a planet of unknown mass. If the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the planet is 8.0 m/s2, what is the radius of the planet? Homework Equations F =...
  14. Z

    Radius of curvature of planetary motion

    Suppose we have a planet of mass m orbiting a larger one of mass M along an elliptical path. If we use polar coordinates with the origin placed on the planet of mass M (focus of the ellipse) then at the instant when the smaller planet is at the point of closest approach we have: \boldsymbol{v}...
  15. marellasunny

    Open differential:Force at the planetary wheel

    http://imageshack.com/a/img33/5853/ge7y.gif In the above diagram,the part 3 the planetary wheel(its not the gear at the input or output side but in the middle of the differential). I call it the planetary wheel because I consider a bevel gear differential just an approximation of a planteary...
  16. DHF

    Why Do Only Gas Giants Have Rings?

    My Son is in 5th Grade and currently his class is studying the solar system. he wanted to know why only Gas giants had rings and the smaller planets did not. His Teacher apparently side stepped the question so he asked me. I assumed it is due to the Gravity but I didn't have enough information...
  17. S

    Astrophysics or Planetary Science

    Astrophysics...or Planetary Science Hi Guys, I need some advice about Astrophysics and Planetary Science. I'm in Columbia U right now, freshman year intending to major in Astrophysics BA. Recently, I found myself getting more and more interested in Solar Physics. I looked around grad...
  18. elDuderino81

    Finding Planetary Radius using density and escape velocity

    [b]1. "Calculate the radius of a planet with mean density of 3.0x10^3 m2kg-3, from which a golf ball can be thrown to infinity as a velocity of 40 ms-1" Homework Equations I've been looking at the equation of: Vesc=sqroot of 2*G*M/r and rearranging to r=2*G*M/Vesc. However, the...
  19. Philosophaie

    Schwarzschild Solution for Planetary Motion: Find x'i from xi

    Schwarzschild solution for Planetary Motion: ##g_{ij}= \left( \begin{array}{cccc} \frac{1}{(1-(\frac{2*m}{r}))} & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & r^2 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & r^2*(sin\theta)^2 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & c^2*(1-\frac{2*m}{r}) \end{array} \right) ## where ##m=\frac{G*(Mass of Sun)}{c^2}##...
  20. Yae Miteo

    Planetary Composition: Elements Beyond Silicon, Iron & Carbon

    So... Theoretically, planets (that are not gas giants, or water planets) could be composed of silicon, iron, or carbon. Are there any other elements that could make up most of a planet?
  21. D H

    NASA NASA planetary science budget woes

    This is from last week (I was on vacation and then I worked like a dog to make up for the vacation): Nature news article on the subject: http://www.nature.com/news/nasa-funding-shuffle-alarms-planetary-scientists-1.14304 Eric Berger on the subject...
  22. B0b-A

    Is constant planetary alignment (syzygy) possible ?

    Is a solar system possible where there was constant planetary alignment (syzygy) Let's make it the simplest scenario : just two planets orbiting a sun [the planets are different ]
  23. P

    Solving Planetary Motion: Mass, Velocity & Energy

    Homework Statement A planet with a mass of 8.99·1021 kg is in a circular orbit around a star with a mass of 1.33·1030 kg. The planet has an orbital radius of 1.21·1010 m. a) What is the linear orbital velocity of the planet? b) What is the period of the planets orbit? c) What is the...
  24. L

    Difference between Astrophysics and Planetary Science?

    What are the main differences between Astrophysics* and Planetary Science? What are their roles? And, which of the two is responsible for the first cloud map of a planet outside of our solar system? http://www.space.com/23043-alien-planet-cloud-map-image-kepler-7b.html *I mean just the...
  25. P

    What are the equations for solving planetary motion problems?

    Homework Statement a planet with radius of 12km spins at 520revs/s find: a) avg speed of a point on the planets equator over 2.5 of a revolution b)find avg acceleration on stars circumfrance over 3/4 of a rev c)find distance covered by point on the equator in 1 second d) find displaement...
  26. T

    Planetary habitability in proximity to nebulae

    Hi everyone. I would like to apologise in advance for my inherent lack of information in regards to what I am about to ask. I do not have a great understanding of the physics of the universe and such, but I suppose that is partially the reason for forums - to expand knowledge! Anyway, I...
  27. P

    Possible criteria or parameters for planetary collision?

    Possible "criteria" or parameters for planetary collision? Suppose a computer model were created to simulate two proto-type planets on a collision course (for example, the Earth-Moon collision in the Hartman theory of the Moon formation). We know that the Moon is spiraling outwards (tidal...
  28. P

    Programs Majoring in Planetary Science?

    I am currently majoring in astrophysics as an undergrad, but my eventual goal is to have a masters or PhD in planetary science. I'm at the point of the course ladder where I've finished up the vanilla physics and math prereqs in order to start on my major specific courses. Long story short...
  29. S

    Situations that generate unusual planetary conditions

    I am looking for strange and interesting planetary circumstances for basing a board game around. This can involve any configuration of planetary bodies and their environments, but must be at least a theoretically possibility in general terms. Perhaps it would be best to illustrate with some...
  30. D

    Planetary rendezvous orbital mechanics

    Earth to Venus Hohmann transfer alignment time. Earth is at periapsis and Venus is at 190 degrees at ##t = 0##. For a Hohmann transfer, Venus must be lagging Earth by ##36.0298## degrees. I am trying to find the time it takes for the planets to align from their current positions. Is...
  31. Q

    What would happen in Planetary Collision?

    What would happen if two large planetary masses (such as our earth) collided by their poles (ie, north hits north)? Would the repellent magnetic force be negligible compared to the masses and gravity, or would the collision be altered or averted? Also, while I am thinking about it, what size...
  32. J

    Can Planetary Gravity Flatten an Egg-Shaped Planet?

    Since gravity gets stronger the closer you get to the center, would a slightly egg shaped planet just continue to squeeze until it flattens out? The closer in areas would feel an ever stronger force of gravity and the poles of the "egg" will feel a progressively weaker force of gravity.
  33. P

    Where is the Point of Zero Gravitational Force Between Earth and the Moon?

    Homework Statement At a ertain point between Earth and the moon the total gravitation force exted on an object by both planets is 0. The Earth - moon distance is 3.84 x 10^5 and the moon has 1.2% of the mass of earth. Where is this point located. Homework Equations Fg=GmM/R^2 The...
  34. shounakbhatta

    Kepler's planetary motion and inverse square law

    Hello, The inverse square law of Newton's gravitational force, is it somehow related to each other? I mean to say P^2 is directly prop.a^3. Is it from the third law that the derivation of inverse sq.law of G=M.m/R2 is derived? Thanks.
  35. B

    Mass planetary formation calculation?

    Homework Statement Compute the mass of volatile material (specifically just H and He) not accreted by the Earth. Assume the mass accreted by the Earth is 7e23 kg. How does the mass of the missing volatiles compare with the actual mass of the Earth? Use the following table: Principal...
  36. P

    Momentum Planetary Motion Problem

    Homework Statement Two spheres of mass m and radius r, are released from rest in empty space. The centers of the spheres are separated by a distance R. They end up colliding due to gravitation attraction. Find the magnitude of the impulse just before they collide.Homework Equations Eg= -Gmm/r...
  37. F

    What Determines Planetary Speeds?

    Hi I read up on astronomy for fun and I find the cosmos very fascinating my question is what determines the speed of a planet? whys does Earth spin at its current speed where's Venus spins almost 224 Earth days. I believe I read that the reason why the Earth spins in the first place is...
  38. F

    Challenging High School Planetary Mechanics Problem

    Homework Statement A certain binary star system consists of two stars of masses m and 3m respectively separated by a distance of 1.5 * 10^12 m measured between their centres. These stars revolve in sync with each other around their common centre of mass. If the smaller star has a mass of 1.0 *...
  39. P

    Planetary gears on passenger vehicles?

    so, I'm a mechanical engineering student, fairly new at it though. I have a really strong real world grasp of mechanical principles, and really enjoy doing things like auto repair (consequently, my schedule is often interrupted by folks that know this fact, and want cheap auto repair) so with...
  40. L

    Computing train value of planetary gear

    Homework Equations e=(product of number of driving teeth)/(product of number of driven teeth) e=(n_{out}-n_{arm})/(n_{in}-n_{arm}) The Attempt at a Solution e=(N_{p1}/N_{s1})*(N_{s2}/N_{p2}) e=1.25926 e should be 0.7941 however From there out it seems pretty trivial. I just need...
  41. I

    Planetary Formation and Rossby Waves

    I've looked at a number of articles and the idea that Rossby waves play a key role in planetary formation seems to be in style. I have a few questions. What are the necessary and sufficient conditions for formation of Rossby waves in a rotating self-contained system? I'd guess it happens...
  42. L

    Planet Gear Train: Find RPM of Gear 4 w/o Carrier

    Guys, I've just come across this question regarding planetary gear train. I was asked to find the rpm of a gear within the train. but the solution given doesn't include the carrier speed within the calculations. I was asked to find the rpms to gear 4. The carrier is between 4 and 6. What...
  43. O

    Formation Rate of Planetary Systems in the Universe

    Hey guys so I'm kind of stuck on the second part of this question, here it is. It’s possible to make a rough estimate of how often planetary systems form by making some basic assumptions. For example, if you assume that the stars we see have been born at random times over the last 10 billion...
  44. O

    When and Where Do Planetary Systems Form?

    Hey guys so I'm kind of stuck on the second part of this question, here it is. It’s possible to make a rough estimate of how often planetary systems form by making some basic assumptions. For example, if you assume that the stars we see have been born at random times over the last 10 billion...
  45. S

    Coarsely modeling impacts between bodies on a planetary scale

    Wheeee! More confusing thread titles! Here, let me elaborate: What I intend to do here is figure out a way to roughly model the results of planetary (or larger) bodies impacting, or a planetary (or larger) sized body being impacted by a smaller body that is moving with enough relative...
  46. S

    What Are the Best Sources for Planetary Rover Payload Information?

    I am studying about various payloads that can be used on a planetary rover; I want to know their size , weight , what does it do ; and what is the science that it uses ; Where will I get this info... ?
  47. R

    The importance of atmospheres for the planetary temperature

    Hi I'm curious of how much of an effect our atmosphere has to do with the global temperature. I mean, just the LOCATION of where you are on the planet makes an immense difference. On venus, with a much more dense atmosphere (and a lot closer to the sun) it's superhot instead, is it mainly...
  48. S

    Number of Teeth for Planetary Gear Train Question

    Hello all: I have a quick question concerning a variation of a planetary gear train I am working on. If I want a sun gear and then two planetary gears in between the sun and ring gear (like is shown in the attached picture), how do I find the number of teeth for the ring gear? Would the...
  49. onomatomanic

    Tidal implications of eccentric planetary orbit

    I'm world-building for a SF-story and need some help figuring out what the ocean tides would look like. My planet orbits a close binary star system; it does not have any satellites itself. The mass of the binary is 5/3 Mo [solar masses]. The orbit is closer than that of Earth and is highly...
  50. E

    Does a planetary gear system affect the torque felt by an electric motor?

    lets say i have an electric dc motor and i connected its shaft to a planetary gear system. this planetary gear systems last stage's ring (outer rim) spins a drum. this drum feels an outer torque T as a consequence of loads. my question is motor will feel torque T, becuase i read that the...
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