How do different bodies in the Solar System affect Earth's gravitational pull?

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    Gravity Measuring
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores how different celestial bodies in the Solar System, particularly Mars, Venus, and Jupiter, influence Earth's gravitational pull. It examines the complexities of gravitational interactions, the concept of barycenters, and the methods used to model these effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the extent to which bodies like Mars, Venus, and Jupiter affect Earth's gravitational pull, suggesting that while the Sun and Moon's effects are well understood, the influence of other planets may be less clear.
  • One participant proposes calculating the gravitational force between Jupiter and Earth and comparing it to the Moon's influence, indicating that the mass and distance of Jupiter are accessible online.
  • Another participant notes that adding a third source of gravity complicates the system's motions, often necessitating computer simulations, but acknowledges that distant or small bodies can sometimes be ignored without significantly affecting trajectory predictions.
  • Several participants emphasize that direct measurement of gravitational force is not feasible; instead, they suggest using models based on physical laws to analyze the motion of Earth and other bodies over time to infer gravitational effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the influence of various celestial bodies on Earth's gravity, with no consensus reached on the significance of these effects or the best methods for measurement and modeling.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the complexity of gravitational interactions when multiple bodies are considered, the reliance on models that may not capture all variables, and the potential for significant uncertainty in predictions based on distant celestial influences.

Gaz1982
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Of course our gravitational relationship with the Sun and our own Moon are understood, but to what extent can we measure even the faintest attraction with other bodies in the Solar System.

How do Mars, Venus and Jupiter effect Earth?

Do we have Barycenters with these bodies and others more remote?
 
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Have you tried to calculate the gravitational force between Jupiter and the earth? Perhaps compared it to the moon and the earth? The mass of Jupiter and the distance can be found online.
 
When a third source of gravity is added and calculated for, the whole system's motions become really complicated. Usually, a computer is used to make such calculations. But sometimes, if the third object is really tiny or far away, it can be ignored, and the trajectories can still be reliably predicted and followed.

Most planets have an insignificant impact on Earth's trajectory, even Jupiter, but they can still be calculated.
 
Gaz1982 said:
Of course our gravitational relationship with the Sun and our own Moon are understood, but to what extent can we measure even the faintest attraction with other bodies in the Solar System.

We can't really directly measure the force. Instead, one way we can see the effect is to build a model using the laws of physics and compare our model to the motion of the Earth, Moon, and other bodies. If our model accurately matches our observations, we can say our model is a good model that accurately describes the interaction between the bodies within the limits of the model. We can then manipulate this model and see what happens when we take out Jupiter or Saturn or another body. Comparing the two scenarios tells us the effect those bodies have on us.

In essence, our 'measurement' uses the motion of the planets themselves over a long period of time.
 
Drakkith said:
We can't really directly measure the force. Instead, one way we can see the effect is to build a model using the laws of physics and compare our model to the motion of the Earth, Moon, and other bodies. If our model accurately matches our observations, we can say our model is a good model that accurately describes the interaction between the bodies within the limits of the model. We can then manipulate this model and see what happens when we take out Jupiter or Saturn or another body. Comparing the two scenarios tells us the effect those bodies have on us.

In essence, our 'measurement' uses the motion of the planets themselves over a long period of time.
Thank you
 

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