Astrophysics (comet orbit question)

Radfire
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A comet from the Oort cloud, with perihelion 6AU, is perturbed by Saturn into an
orbit with perihelion 4AU. What is the semi-major axis and eccentricity of the new
orbit?

Homework Equations



Perihelion = a(1-e)


The Attempt at a Solution



hey i could really use some help here, I am been scratching my head for ages now. I know that if I can get either the semi-major axis or the eccentricity then i have the other. Could anybody push me in the right direction please...thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I figured it out...Moderator can close thread
 

Thread 'Modeling a graph that shows age in relation to depth of an ice sample'

To solve this, I first used the units to work out that a= m* a/m, i.e. t=z/λ. This would allow you to determine the time duration within an interval section by section and then add this to the previous ones to obtain the age of the respective layer. However, this would require a constant thickness per year for each interval. However, since this is most likely not the case, my next consideration was that the age must be the integral of a 1/λ(z) function, which I cannot model.
View full post »

Similar threads

Max Aphelion Distance of Kuiper Belt Comet w/216 yr Orbital Period
Replies
11
Views
3K
Conservation of energy and momentum in planetary motion
Replies
11
Views
3K
Investigating Comet 67P's Elliptical Orbit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Find eccentricity of orbit given position and velocity
Replies
5
Views
7K
Period and velocity at perihelion/aphelion
Replies
13
Views
4K
Semi major axis - planetary Science
Replies
1
Views
1K
Is Tidal Circularisation of Orbits a Tricky Concept?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Can a Golf Ball Orbit an Asteroid?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Effective cross-section of catching a comet with the Sun
Replies
19
Views
2K
Effective cross-section of catching a comet with the Sun
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top