Compute Aphelion from Eccentricity & Perihelion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the aphelion of an orbit given its eccentricity and perihelion distance. The subject area is orbital mechanics, specifically focusing on the properties of elliptical orbits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various relationships between eccentricity, perihelion, and aphelion. Some question the need for additional parameters like the semi-major axis, while others suggest using specific equations related to elliptical orbits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different approaches to the problem. There is a recognition of potential errors in calculations, and some participants are questioning their assumptions and the relationships they are using.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a discrepancy in their calculated aphelion value compared to an expected result, indicating possible confusion or fatigue affecting their reasoning. The eccentricity value is also provided, which may influence the calculations discussed.

Logarythmic
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If I have the eccentricity and the perihelion of an orbit given, how can I compute the aphelion?
 
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You need to think of what angles correspond the the perihelion and aphelion. Then use the relation between r, e, theta and l to get the aphelion.
 
Can I not just use the relation for an ellipse:

[tex]e = \frac{d}{a}[/tex]

where d is the distance from the focal point to the center and a is the semi major axis?
 
Well yes if you know a and d. You'd get the same result. You might need J as well though.
 
I just used the radial equation

[tex]r_a = \frac{a(1 - e^2)}{1 + e \cos \pi} = a(1+e)[/tex]

This leads to

[tex]r_a = \frac{r_p(1+e)}{1-e}[/tex]

where I have used that

[tex]a = \frac{r_a + r_p}{2}[/tex]

But for [tex]r_p = 0,2301 AU[/tex] I get [tex]r_a = 2988 AU[/tex] and this is wrong. I should get [tex]r_a =4699 AU[/tex]. Am I too tired or what is this?
I have that [tex]e = 0,999846[/tex]
 

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