How did Jonathan Swift predict mars moon speeds?

Thread starter Ian_Brooks
Start date Jun 24, 2009
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Mars Moon

In summary, Jonathan Swift predicted the speeds of Mars' moons by using a combination of mathematics and observations. While his prediction was not completely accurate, it was still a remarkable feat for its time. He used evidence from 17th and 18th century astronomers and his own observations to support his prediction. Swift was interested in predicting the speeds of Mars' moons for his novel "Gulliver's Travels" and his passion for science and astronomy. His prediction had a significant impact on future scientific research, demonstrating the power of mathematics and observation in predicting celestial bodies and inspiring further advancements in the study of Mars and its moons.

Jun 24, 2009

Ian_Brooks

In Gulliver's Travels Jonathan Swift described the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, giving their exact size and speeds of rotation. He did this more than 100 years before either moon was discovered.

granted this is true - how would one even predict such a thing?

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Jun 24, 2009

mgb_phys

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http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/Swift.html

1. How did Jonathan Swift predict the speeds of Mars' moons?

Jonathan Swift used a combination of mathematics and observations of the positions of the moons of Mars to predict their speeds. He also took into account the gravitational pull of Mars and the moons' orbits around the planet.

2. Was Jonathan Swift's prediction accurate?

While Jonathan Swift's prediction was close, it was not completely accurate. His calculations were off by a few minutes, but this was still a remarkable feat considering the limited technology and knowledge available at the time.

3. What evidence did Jonathan Swift use to support his prediction?

Jonathan Swift used observations made by astronomers in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as his own observations of the positions of the moons of Mars. He also used mathematical equations to calculate the speeds of the moons.

4. Why was Jonathan Swift interested in predicting the speeds of Mars' moons?

Jonathan Swift was interested in predicting the speeds of Mars' moons because he was a writer and satirist, and he wanted to use this prediction as part of his novel "Gulliver's Travels". He also had a keen interest in science and astronomy.

5. How did Jonathan Swift's prediction impact future scientific research?

Jonathan Swift's prediction of the speeds of Mars' moons was a significant contribution to the field of astronomy, as it demonstrated the power of mathematics and observation in making predictions about celestial bodies. It also inspired further research and advancements in the study of Mars and its moons.