What Are the Time Units for Mean Anomaly Calculation?

In summary, the Mean Anomaly is a measurement used in orbital mechanics to determine the position of a celestial body at a specific time. It is calculated by taking the product of the orbital period and the angular velocity of the orbiting body, and then subtracting the product of the time elapsed since a reference point and the mean motion of the orbit. The units of the Mean Anomaly are typically expressed in degrees, radians, or revolutions, and it is used to calculate the position of a celestial body at a specific time, which is important for predicting and tracking the movement of objects in space. The Mean Anomaly can also change over time as the orbiting body moves through its orbit and its position relative to a reference point changes.
  • #1
Philosophaie
462
0
M(t) = M0 + n (t - t0)

where M(t) = the Mean Anomaly at time t;
M0 = the Mean Anomaly at the Epoch time;
n = (G*(Me+Msat)/a^2)^.5 = the satellite orbit's Mean Motion;
t = the chosen prediction time; and
t0 = the Epoch time.

My question is what are the time units in (Days, Hours, etc)?
 
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  • #2
They're in whatever units would make M(t) unitless, so they depend on what units you use to calculate n. If you use SI, n should be in units of s^-1, so t should be in seconds.
 

Related to What Are the Time Units for Mean Anomaly Calculation?

1. What is the Mean Anomaly?

The Mean Anomaly is a measurement used in orbital mechanics to determine the position of a celestial body at a specific time.

2. How is the Mean Anomaly calculated?

The Mean Anomaly is calculated by taking the product of the orbital period and the angular velocity of the orbiting body, and then subtracting the product of the time elapsed since a reference point and the mean motion of the orbit.

3. What are the units of the Mean Anomaly?

The units of the Mean Anomaly are typically expressed in degrees, radians, or revolutions.

4. How is the Mean Anomaly used in orbital mechanics?

The Mean Anomaly is used to calculate the position of a celestial body at a specific time, which is important for predicting and tracking the movement of objects in space.

5. Can the Mean Anomaly change over time?

Yes, the Mean Anomaly can change over time as the orbiting body moves through its orbit and its position relative to a reference point changes.

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