- #1
Abu
Homework Statement
Using only a telescope and a stopwatch, find the mass of Saturn.[/B]
(This question may or may not make any sense at all, it was a theoretical lab that my professor said without giving us a chance to copy it down and I am trying to recall the question from memory)
If it is impossible then let me know, I am taking a chance because this may be a very dumb question haha.
Homework Equations
T^2/R^3 = T^2/R^3
v = 2πr/τ
d = vt
v = √GM/R
M = 4π^2 r^3/GT^2
3. The Attempt at a Solution
At first, I thought that:
If it is possible to find the orbital period of Saturn around the sun using a telescope and stopwatch along with an extreme amount of patience, then you could simply use Kepler's 3rd law with Earth's known values to find the range between the sun and Saturn. Then you could use this range in the formula M = 4π^2 r^3/GT^2, but then I realized that M would be the mass of the Sun and not of Saturn.
So then I thought if it is possible to apply the M = 4π^2 r^3/GT^2 formula between Saturn and one of its many moons. Then, M would be the mass of Saturn, r would be the distance between the moon and Saturn, and T would be how long it takes for a moon to revolve around Saturn, using the stop watch and patience.
The only problem is R, which you need the speed of light for. Is it possible to somehow calculate the speed of light with only what was given, and then apply it to find the range, and if so, how? If it isn't possible, then I assume my professor would just simply give the speed of light?