What Determines the Gravity of Planets?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter chetan
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    Gravity Planets
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to determine the gravity of planets, focusing on observational methods related to planetary and satellite orbits. The scope includes conceptual understanding and practical applications of gravitational measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about methods to find out the gravity of planets.
  • Another participant suggests that observing the orbits of satellites provides a means to calculate planetary gravity.
  • A third participant references an external resource for comprehensive information on gravity, specifically directing attention to a section about gravity related to planets.
  • It is noted that gravity influences the orbits of planets around the sun and moons around planets, and that measuring these orbits allows for the calculation of a planet's gravity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of using orbital observations to determine planetary gravity, but there is no consensus on the completeness of the provided resources or methods.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the accuracy of orbital measurements and the definitions of gravity may not be explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the potential limitations of the suggested methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astrophysics, planetary science, or gravitational theory may find this discussion relevant.

chetan
How do we find out the gravity of planets
 
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By observing the orbits of their satellites.
 
Originally posted by chetan
How do we find out the gravity of planets
About all you could want about gravity can be found at:

http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/topics/Gravity.html

For planets, go to the center column about 2/3 of the way down, and click on the single-word "Gravity".

Labbie
 
Gravity dictates the orbits of the planets around the sun (and as Janus said, the moons around the planets). By measuring those orbits, you can calculate the planet's gravity. See the link I provided in the other topic you started.
 

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