Computation of Solar Position and Velocity Vectors (Meteor Orbit)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the computation of solar position and velocity vectors for a meteor's orbit, referencing Herget's 1953 work, "Solar Coordinates 1800-2000." The user has identified the solar position vector for October 20, 1955, from the 1955 Nautical Almanac but seeks the corresponding velocity vector. They propose deriving the velocity vector using the cross product of the position vector and the pole of the ecliptic, with guidance from Jean Meeus's "Astro Formulae for Calcs," specifically equations 8.3 and 8.4. The user also mentions the notation used in the calculations, indicating familiarity with vector mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heliocentric position and velocity vectors
  • Familiarity with vector mathematics, including cross products
  • Knowledge of celestial mechanics and orbital calculations
  • Access to Jean Meeus's "Astro Formulae for Calcs," fourth edition
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of velocity vectors using cross products in celestial mechanics
  • Study Jean Meeus's equations 8.3 and 8.4 for practical applications
  • Explore the historical context and methodologies of Herget's calculations
  • Examine the use of the Nautical Almanac for solar position data
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of celestial mechanics who are interested in the calculation of meteor orbits and the application of historical astronomical data.

solarblast
Messages
146
Reaction score
2
I'm looking at some code from a book that details uses the heliocentric position and velocity to compute an orbit of a meteor. See attached pages. At the top of the section at mid-page, page 37, he gives a source, Herget, 1953, Solar Coordinates 1800-2000.

The book was written in the late 60s, and uses a real example, but does not provide the vectors for CE 1955 October 20 07:53:32.6 UT.

From my distant past, I have some minor understanding of what's going on. To get matters moving, I need to find the two vectors. Well, one is easy. I happened to have the solar position vector for 1955 from a 1955 Nautical Almanac, USNO publisher.

A possibility exists that the velocity vector may be derived from the cross product of the position vector and the pole of the ecliptic. The latter should be expressed in Earth centric coordinates. The only clue I have to possibly pull that off is in Jean Meeus's Astro Formulae for Calcs, fourth edition, pf 43. Maybe eqs 8.3 and 8.4 might do the trick, if I assume some appropriate lambda and beta. Comments?

Note that r-bar-prime_m, r'-bar_m, is known from eq 79 on page 37 of the book.


I've provided several relevant pages from the book. For the curious, I've provided 38 to 40 for those who might be interested in knowing how the orbit was calculated from these vectors. The method is that of Herget. Note that items like r-bar are vectors, r-bar-prime are velocity vectors, and notation like a b sin(theta) mean a*b*sin(theta).

I see I can only upload 3 files, so I'll do page 60 next.
 

Attachments

  • WrayBook057.jpg
    WrayBook057.jpg
    31.3 KB · Views: 570
  • WrayBook058.jpg
    WrayBook058.jpg
    26.6 KB · Views: 633
  • WrayBook059.jpg
    WrayBook059.jpg
    18.6 KB · Views: 609
Astronomy news on Phys.org


Book page 40.
 

Attachments

  • WrayBook060.jpg
    WrayBook060.jpg
    22.6 KB · Views: 563

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
11K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K