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Xiphas
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Can someone explain keplar's third law of planetary motion to me without the math and not to technically, just what does it mean?
The 3rd law of planetary motion, also known as the Law of Harmonies, states that the square of a planet's orbital period is directly proportional to the cube of its semi-major axis. In simpler terms, this means that the further a planet is from the sun, the longer it takes to complete one orbit.
The 3rd law of planetary motion was discovered by German astronomer Johannes Kepler in the early 17th century. He formulated this law based on his observations of the orbits of planets, particularly Mars, using data collected by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.
The 3rd law of planetary motion is directly related to the force of gravity between two objects. According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the force of gravity between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This is why the further a planet is from the sun, the longer it takes to orbit due to the weaker gravitational force.
Yes, the 3rd law of planetary motion applies to all objects in the universe that orbit around a central body. This includes planets, moons, and even artificial satellites. However, this law does not apply to objects that are not in orbit, such as comets or asteroids.
The 3rd law of planetary motion is used in space exploration to calculate the trajectories and orbits of spacecraft. By understanding the relationship between a planet's orbital period and its distance from the sun, scientists and engineers can determine the most efficient and accurate paths for spacecraft to travel in order to reach their desired destinations. This law is also important in understanding the motions of other planets and their moons, which can help in planning missions to explore these celestial bodies.