How do different bodies in the Solar System affect Earth's gravitational pull?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gaz1982
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravity Measuring
AI Thread Summary
The gravitational influence of other bodies in the Solar System on Earth is minimal, with the Sun and Moon being the primary factors. While planets like Mars, Venus, and Jupiter can be calculated for their gravitational effects, they are often insignificant compared to the Moon. Complex calculations involving barycenters and computer models are typically used to understand these interactions, as direct measurement of gravitational forces is not feasible. Models based on the laws of physics allow scientists to simulate scenarios by removing certain bodies to observe changes in Earth's motion. Ultimately, the effects of distant planets can be inferred through long-term observations and modeling rather than direct measurement.
Gaz1982
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Of course our gravitational relationship with the Sun and our own Moon are understood, but to what extent can we measure even the faintest attraction with other bodies in the Solar System.

How do Mars, Venus and Jupiter effect Earth?

Do we have Barycenters with these bodies and others more remote?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you tried to calculate the gravitational force between Jupiter and the earth? Perhaps compared it to the moon and the earth? The mass of Jupiter and the distance can be found online.
 
When a third source of gravity is added and calculated for, the whole system's motions become really complicated. Usually, a computer is used to make such calculations. But sometimes, if the third object is really tiny or far away, it can be ignored, and the trajectories can still be reliably predicted and followed.

Most planets have an insignificant impact on Earth's trajectory, even Jupiter, but they can still be calculated.
 
Gaz1982 said:
Of course our gravitational relationship with the Sun and our own Moon are understood, but to what extent can we measure even the faintest attraction with other bodies in the Solar System.

We can't really directly measure the force. Instead, one way we can see the effect is to build a model using the laws of physics and compare our model to the motion of the Earth, Moon, and other bodies. If our model accurately matches our observations, we can say our model is a good model that accurately describes the interaction between the bodies within the limits of the model. We can then manipulate this model and see what happens when we take out Jupiter or Saturn or another body. Comparing the two scenarios tells us the effect those bodies have on us.

In essence, our 'measurement' uses the motion of the planets themselves over a long period of time.
 
Drakkith said:
We can't really directly measure the force. Instead, one way we can see the effect is to build a model using the laws of physics and compare our model to the motion of the Earth, Moon, and other bodies. If our model accurately matches our observations, we can say our model is a good model that accurately describes the interaction between the bodies within the limits of the model. We can then manipulate this model and see what happens when we take out Jupiter or Saturn or another body. Comparing the two scenarios tells us the effect those bodies have on us.

In essence, our 'measurement' uses the motion of the planets themselves over a long period of time.
Thank you
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
I am attempting to use a Raman TruScan with a 785 nm laser to read a material for identification purposes. The material causes too much fluorescence and doesn’t not produce a good signal. However another lab is able to produce a good signal consistently using the same Raman model and sample material. What would be the reason for the different results between instruments?
Back
Top