Angular separation between moons

Thread starter Scott Yuill
Start date Apr 21, 2015
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Angular Astrophysics Moons Physcis Separation

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To determine the angular separation between the moons Styx and Nix after 28 days, the orbital period of Styx (20 Earth days) is used to calculate its angular displacement around Pluto. In 28 days, Styx completes 1.4 orbits, translating to an angle of 504 degrees (1.4 x 360 degrees). For Nix, which has a longer orbital radius of 48,675 km, its angular displacement must be calculated based on its orbital period, which is not provided but can be inferred from its mass and distance. The discussion emphasizes the need for understanding orbital mechanics to find the angular separation accurately. Calculating these angles is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Pluto's moons.

Apr 21, 2015

Scott Yuill

Please help I am not sure of how to work this out

The angular separation between Styx and Nix 28 days after they are in line with each other on the same side of Pluto.

Mass of Nix = 5*10^16 Kg
Orbital Radius of Nix = 48675 Km
Orbital period of Styx = 20 Earth days

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Apr 21, 2015

haruspex

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Through what angle about Pluto will Styx have gone in 28 days?
How will you calculate the angle for Nix?

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