Saturn's Semi-Major Axis: Exploring the 10-Year Orbit

Thread starter kami12
Start date Jun 6, 2010
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Axis Orbit

In summary, Saturn's semi-major axis is the average distance between Saturn and the Sun, measuring the size of its orbit. It takes Saturn approximately 10.7 Earth years to complete one orbit, making it the sixth largest orbit among the eight planets in our solar system. The main factor that affects Saturn's semi-major axis is the gravitational pull of the Sun, with other factors such as interactions with other planets and moons also playing a role. Scientists use a combination of observations and mathematical calculations to measure Saturn's semi-major axis, including measuring the distance between Saturn and the Sun and analyzing its orbital motion and gravitational interactions with other bodies in the solar system.

Jun 6, 2010

kami12

Saturn takes about 10 years to go around the Sun once. What is the semi-major axis of Saturn's orbit?

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Jun 6, 2010

russ_watters

Mentor

This sounds like homework...

Jun 6, 2010

kami12

I need help =(

Jun 13, 2010

Saint Matthew

I think Saturn's orbit is more like 29 or 30 years, right?

Jun 13, 2010

DaveC426913

Gold Member

kami12 said:

I need help =(

You need to make an attempt so we can help.

1. What is Saturn's semi-major axis?

The semi-major axis is the average distance between Saturn and the Sun. It is a measure of the size of Saturn's orbit.

2. How long does it take for Saturn to complete one orbit?

It takes Saturn approximately 10.7 Earth years, or 10 years and 289 days, to complete one orbit around the Sun.

3. How does Saturn's semi-major axis compare to other planets in our solar system?

Saturn's semi-major axis is the sixth largest among the eight planets in our solar system, with only Uranus and Neptune having larger orbits.

4. What factors affect Saturn's semi-major axis?

The main factor that affects Saturn's semi-major axis is the gravitational pull of the Sun. Other factors, such as interactions with other planets and moons, can also have small effects on its orbit.

5. How do scientists measure Saturn's semi-major axis?

Scientists use a combination of observations and mathematical calculations to determine Saturn's semi-major axis. This includes measuring the distance between Saturn and the Sun, as well as analyzing the planet's orbital motion and gravitational interactions with other bodies in the solar system.