Where can I find comprehensive formulas for Celestial Mechanics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding comprehensive resources, such as books or websites, that provide formulas for celestial mechanics. Participants share their experiences and recommendations, focusing on educational materials suitable for different levels of understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for comprehensive celestial mechanics formulas, noting that existing resources often provide limited equations.
  • Another participant suggests "Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications" by David A. Vallado as a valuable resource used in advanced classes.
  • A participant expresses confidence in their ability to understand the material despite their current grade level.
  • Concerns are raised about the cost of the recommended book and the importance of reviewing it before purchasing.
  • One participant offers to teach transfer orbits in a simplified manner, indicating a willingness to help others understand complex topics.
  • Another participant suggests the possibility of online courses as an alternative learning method.
  • A later reply mentions a new thread created to provide a tutorial on transfer orbits, indicating ongoing exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the recommended book but express differing opinions on whether to purchase it without prior review. There is no consensus on the best approach to learning celestial mechanics, as various suggestions are made, including online courses and simplified teaching methods.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential complexity of the material, indicating that it may be more advanced than what the original poster has encountered. The discussion reflects varying levels of mathematical preparedness among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in celestial mechanics, particularly those seeking resources to enhance their understanding of the subject.

Ravine
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
I was just wondering if anyone here , knows a good site (or a book) for general Formulas for Celestial Mechanics ? I have looked a little, But I only find one or two equations per site, and most of them are the same, So if you do know one that would be great
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Welcome to the forums, Ravine!

How far does your math education go?

Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications by David A. Vallado is the book which is used for the senior level 'Orbital Dynamics' and 'Space Navigation and Guidance' classes at my school.

It has just about anything you could possibly want to learn about.
 
Hey thanks enigma ^_^.
My math level is Grade 12+ (Though I am in Gr. 10, lol) Even if it is a bit hard, I am sure I can pick it up fast . Well, I best be off to the library to rent these books before they close ^_^
 
Last edited:
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
 
Well, Thanks for your help, but it seems my library did not have the book in stock. So I will have to order it from the internet. I just can not wait the 2-3 weeks -_-, lol.
 
What library did you go to? A public library won't have it, but any university library with an aerospace engineering program will. In addition, a well-stocked college bookstore should have it, too.

- Warren
 
I don't think you should buy the book until you at least look through it to see if it's something you can handle. The book is too expensive to jump in without taking a look inside first... I'm willing to bet it is much more complicated math-wise than anything you've seen.
 
Transfer orbits made easy

enigma said:
I don't think you should buy the book until you at least look through it to see if it's something you can handle. The book is too expensive to jump in without taking a look inside first... I'm willing to bet it is much more complicated math-wise than anything you've seen.
I can teach transfer orbits so a high school student can understand it. Nothing to it.

Jerry Abbott
 
And we're darn lucky to have you with us! Have you thought about an online course?
 
  • #10
selfAdjoint said:
And we're darn lucky to have you with us! Have you thought about an online course?
Shucks, I'll do it here! Or, rather, in a new thread.

OK it's done! See the thread with the title: "Transfer orbits for dummies: a hillbilly tutorial."

I got the job done fast because I'd already solved that particular example problem while I was working out the math of the theory. But I used more recent orbital elements this time, and the transit time didn't come out quite right for the elliptical transfer orbit. Oh well.

Jerry Abbott
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad I need some support, please, for a gravity assist analysis
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
9K
Undergrad How to deal with the celestial meridian?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Solving a Cipher: Celestial coordinates and precession
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How Can We Measure Properties of Distant Planets and Stars?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad What happens to spacetime during the expansion of the Universe?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Graduate Twistors and celestial holography
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
7K
Undergrad Orientation of the Earth, Sun and Solar System in the Milky Way
  • · Replies 142 ·
5
Replies
142
Views
142K
Stargazing Understanding the Formula for Sunrise and Sunset Calculation
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Positional Astronomy: Zenith, celestial poles and sidereal time
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Undergrad How to learn celestial mechanics
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
14K