How was Voyager 2 used to determine the orbits of Uranus and Neptune?

Thread starter Zman
Start date Mar 11, 2009
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In summary, Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun, with an average distance of 2.8 billion miles. This distance affects its temperature, with an average of -353 degrees Fahrenheit, and its orbit, with a long orbital period of 165 Earth years and a slow speed of 12,146 miles per hour. Comparatively, Neptune's distance from the Sun is significantly greater than all other planets in our solar system, which greatly impacts its characteristics and behavior.

Mar 11, 2009

Zman

I am after a reference or an explanation as to how the Voyager 2 spacecraft was used to determine the semi major axis (largest diameter) of the orbits of both Uranus and Neptune?

These measurements were performed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA, during the Voyager 2 encounter with Uranus and Neptune.

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Mar 14, 2009

Abd Errahmane

thank you

1. What is the average distance between Neptune and the Sun?

The average distance between Neptune and the Sun is approximately 2.8 billion miles, or 4.5 billion kilometers. This distance can vary slightly due to the elliptical orbit of Neptune around the Sun.

2. How does Neptune's distance from the Sun affect its temperature?

Neptune's distance from the Sun plays a significant role in its temperature. Being the farthest planet from the Sun, Neptune receives significantly less heat and light than the inner planets, resulting in an average temperature of -353 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the coldest planet in our solar system.

3. How long does it take for light to travel from the Sun to Neptune?

It takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes for light to travel from the Sun to Neptune. This is because light travels at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, and Neptune is located around 2.8 billion miles from the Sun.

4. How does Neptune's distance from the Sun affect its orbit?

Neptune's distance from the Sun greatly affects its orbit. Being the farthest planet from the Sun, Neptune has the longest orbital period, completing one orbit around the Sun every 165 Earth years. Its distance from the Sun also contributes to its slow orbital speed of 12,146 miles per hour.

5. How does Neptune's distance from the Sun compare to other planets in our solar system?

Neptune's distance from the Sun is significantly greater than all the other planets in our solar system. It is over 30 times farther from the Sun than Earth and almost 3 times farther than Saturn, the next farthest planet from the Sun. This distance has a significant impact on the characteristics and behavior of Neptune as a planet.