4 Astronomy Problems: ASSISTANCE NEEDED PLEASE

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving multiple astronomy-related problems involving comets and asteroids, focusing on concepts such as eccentricity, semimajor axis, perihelion and aphelion distances, orbital periods, and resonance with planets. Participants seek assistance in calculations and clarifications of concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates perihelion and aphelion distances for a comet with given eccentricity and semimajor axis, but expresses confusion about calculating velocity and relating brightness to distance using the inverse square law.
  • Another participant confirms the perihelion and aphelion calculations but questions the clarity of the brightness problem, suggesting that the comet's nearest point to Earth is not clearly defined.
  • Several participants discuss the relationship between the semimajor axis and orbital period, referencing Kepler's 3rd Law, and express uncertainty about how to apply resonance concepts to the asteroid problems.
  • Participants share various formulas for calculating velocities at perihelion and aphelion, with some noting missing normalization factors in the equations provided.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of "nearest point to Earth" and how to approach the resonance problems, with some participants suggesting that the periods of the planets involved need to be considered.
  • One participant attempts to calculate the semimajor axes for asteroids in resonance with Jupiter and Mars, using the periods of these planets but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their units and calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations for perihelion and aphelion distances, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of the brightness problem or the application of resonance concepts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to these problems.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the definitions and relationships involved in the problems, particularly regarding the units of measurement for velocity and the implications of resonance. There are also unresolved questions about the assumptions needed to relate the problems to one another.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying astronomy, particularly those working on problems related to orbital mechanics, resonance, and brightness calculations in celestial contexts.

  • #31
RedScout said:
Is this math typical to astronomy or is it more complicated? I'm wondering because I'm considering astronomy as a future career.

I think this is typical of an intro level astronomy course in college (or high school). Graduate students would be expected to quickly do this sort of calculation in their head (or at least obtain an order of magnitude).

For an observational research paper, you'll be expected to do calculations roughly at the level of the ones I do here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=102126"

Even more mathematical sophistication would be expected of theorists.
 
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  • #32
Thanks for the help and information. Would it be safe to say it is advanced algebra on an astronomy scale? I'm in 10th grade (in America), what classes would you recommend to prepare for college? The school that I go to doesn't offer an introductory to Astronomy class. Although, it did teach about Astronomy in a physical science class I had last year but we didn't reach it.
 
  • #33
RedScout said:
Thanks for the help and information. Would it be safe to say it is advanced algebra on an astronomy scale?

No, you definitely need calculus. Look at some of my later posts in the thread. From what I remember, the major I took in astronomy required the following undergrad math classes:

- Calc I and II
- Vector Calc
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations

If you want to do any general relativity, you'll need to learn tensor manipulation and basic differential geometry (sometimes done in the GR course itself). Hardcore theorists would also benefit from complex analysis and group theory.

By the time you graduate high school, you should, at the least, have taken algebra II and classical mechanics (intro physics). Preferably, you would have some exposure to calculus and electromagnetism as well.
 
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  • #34
I'll need to work hard it seems.

I've been reading general astronomy books to try and get a good understanding of everything as a whole before I start learning more specific things. Hopefully it will come to good use in the future.

Thanks for your help again.
 

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