Could someone explain this image to me?

[tat1978]

I know it's the formula for the Earth's orbit, but if someone would explain the actual formula itself to me in detail, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks! :)

http://www.wallchan.com/images/sandbox/1305765361-earth-orbit-sun-365-physics-none-wallpaper.jpg

 

[tat1978]

Or this one.

Thank you in advance :)

http://st.gdefon.ru/wallpapers_orig...abota_moshhnost_1920x1080_(www.GdeFon.ru).jpg

 

[ModusPwnd]

Throw us a bone... What part do you understand?

 

[The_Duck]

Wikipedia explains what the terms in the formula are: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_period#Small_body_orbiting_a_central_body

 

[tat1978]

Wikipedia explains what the terms in the formula are: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_period#Small_body_orbiting_a_central_body

That helps a lot. Thanks!

 

[sophiecentaur]

Where does that Wiki article fall short? It seems to have it all there. Or you could try this link, possibly. The formula (for a circular orbit) is arrived at by equating the gravitational force at a distance r and the force needed for a circular orbit at that distance.
For a general Elliptical orbit is is more complicated but Kepler's law might do for you (he based it on observation but didn't have access to Newton's law of gravitation at the time afaik).

 

[tat1978]

Where does that Wiki article fall short? It seems to have it all there. Or you could try this link, possibly. The formula (for a circular orbit) is arrived at by equating the gravitational force at a distance r and the force needed for a circular orbit at that distance.
For a general Elliptical orbit is is more complicated but Kepler's law might do for you (he based it on observation but didn't have access to Newton's law of gravitation at the time afaik).

It doesn't. Maybe "helps" was the wrong way to put it. It filled in the blanks for me. The second one is what I'm having more trouble understanding.

 

[tat1978]

Oh, and thank you for the responses. Greatly appreciated.

 

[sophiecentaur]

This all depends on your level of Maths, I think. What Maths are you happy with- algebra, calculus?
How about this link?

 

[mfb]

In the last line, "minutes" and "days" are missing as units, otherwise the equation is wrong.