How Do Astronomical Factors Influence Planetary Characteristics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the influence of astronomical factors on the characteristics of various fictional planets, as presented through a dataset. Participants are exploring questions related to planetary density, composition, surface gravity, weight on different planets, orbital periods, the potential for liquid water, and the greenhouse effect.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance with calculations related to the density of planets, suggesting the use of the formula for the volume of a sphere and the relationship of density as mass divided by volume.
  • Another participant questions the implications of density on planetary composition, raising the idea that denser materials like rocks may indicate different compositions compared to less dense materials like gases.
  • Surface gravity calculations are suggested to be based on gravitational force equations, with a focus on the radius of the planet.
  • Weight on the planets is proposed to be calculated using the previously determined surface gravity.
  • Participants are encouraged to consider the implications of pressure and temperature data on the potential for liquid water on the planets.
  • There is a suggestion to analyze the greenhouse effect and its impact on planetary temperatures, along with considerations of atmospheric composition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for specific formulas and calculations to address the questions posed, but there is no consensus on the answers or implications of the findings yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific formulas or detailed calculations, and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of terms and the conditions under which the planets are analyzed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or enthusiasts interested in planetary science, astronomy, or those working on related homework assignments involving calculations of planetary characteristics.

kamurra2
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okay so i was given this graph and questions and have no clue where to start! any help or tips would be great! thanks! if you can't really see the graph i have attached the actual paper with the graph so u can see it!

Planet M (kg) R (km) a A (AU) MStar (kg) SStar P0(bar) T0(K)
Coruscant 6 x 10'25 17400 0.1 0.44 5 x 1029 1600 1.9 295
Dagobah 1.2 x 10'24 3500 0.05 3.3 6 x 1031 1100 1.1 315
Hoth 3.5 x 10'24 9500 0.8 4.6 2 x 1030 900 0.6 168
Tatooine 6 x 10'23 2400 0.1 0.75 5 x 1030 2900 0.5 328
Yavin IV 8 x 10'25 19000 0.3 0.01 6 x 1028 1700 0.85 290

. The columns are M for mass of the planet, R for radius of the planet, a for albedo of the planet, A for distance of the planet from the parent star, MStar for mass of the parent star, SStar for Solar Flux of the star at the planet (in W/m2), P0 for pressure at the planet’s surface, and T0 for average temperature at the planet’s surface. Tatooine is technically a double-star system, but we can consider the planet to orbit around the center of mass of the two stars.

What are the densities of these planets?



What do these imply about these planets compositions?




What are their surface gravities?


How much would you weigh on these planets?




What are the periods of these planets around their parent star (or gas giant, in the case of Yavin IV) in Earth years?




With the pressure and temperature shown, determine if the planet could have abundant liquid water.




Determine if the planet has a greenhouse effect. What should the temperature of the planet be without the Greenhouse effect? What might this imply about the composition of the planetary atmospheres?
 

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Would you like to make an attempt at some of the questions?
 
i just don't know the formulas or else i would... that's what i need help on mostly
 
What are the densities of these planets?
I'm sure you can find the formula for the volume of a sphere.
Then density is just mass/volume

What do these imply about these planets compositions?
Are rocks denser than water? Is gas less dense than water?

What are their surface gravities?
You are looking for an equation for gravitational force on a mass, at a distance = radius of the planet.

How much would you weigh on these planets?
Once you have found 'g' in the above question then weight is just = m g
 

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