Influence of planets on planets

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In summary, the gravitational influence between planets is the main factor in their interactions. The closer they are, the stronger the influence. However, no planet is close enough to Earth to be of concern. The orbits of Earth and Mars are not perfect circles, so their distance during opposition can vary. This time, Mars is the closest it has been in 50,000 to 60,000 years. The gravitational influence of the Earth's Moon is stronger than that of Mars. Other than reflected light and occasional meteorites, not much else is exchanged between planets. Jupiter may also protect the inner solar system from cometary impacts. The variation in the calculations for the next time Mars will be close to Earth can be attributed to the particular conditions of Earth
  • #1
chetan
What are the influences of planets on other planets ?

As far as I'm concerned I know about the gravitational influence

For example the coming close of Mars near Earth
 
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  • #2
Planet to planet influences are almost exclusively gravitational. The closer the planets are to each other, the stronger the gravitational influence. But no planet is close enough to Earth to be of concern...even Mars. Mars is not closer to Earth this month due to the Earth's gravity. The orbits of Earth and Mars around the sun are not perfect circles...they are slightly elliptical. Also, the Earth goes around the sun faster than Mars. So, periodically (like once a year plus a bit more) the sun-Earth-Mars line up (Mars is said to be "in opposition"). Because of the non-circular orbits, the distance of Mars from Earth during opposition varies from time to time. This time, it is closer than it has been in about 50,000 to 60,000 years. Still nothing to worry about. The gravitational influence of the Earth's Moon far outweighs the gravitational influence by Mars on Earth.

Not much else is exchanged between planets other than reflected light from the sun and occasional meteorites.

Certainly, the planets have had a lot of cultural influence on human civilization.

Also, Jupiter may protect the inner solar system from some cometary impacts.
 
  • #3
One of the reasons given for the variation in the calculations for the next time Mars should be as close to the Earth (approx 230 years) and the Possible last time it was so close (5000 to 60,000) was the effect not of our planet's gravitation, but the effect of Jupiter's gravitation on Mars.
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Artman
One of the reasons given for the variation in the calculations for the next time Mars should be as close to the Earth (approx 230 years) and the Possible last time it was so close (5000 to 60,000) was the effect not of our planet's gravitation, but the effect of Jupiter's gravitation on Mars.
No, I don't think it had anything to do with an influence from Jupiter. Phobos said it right, it was the particular conditions of Earth's and Mars' orbits.

To add a little more, for this "close" event to happen at opposition, Earth would have to be at "Aphelion" (farthest from the sun in orbit) and Mars would have to be at "Perihelion" (closest to the sun), or very near these positions. But, it would seem that this would happen more often than it did since 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. It does. However, there is one more "orbital condition" to consider that I haven't seen mentioned here on PF.

The Earth's orbit is inclined from the ecliptic at 0.00 degrees. (This is how the ecliptic was determined, in relation to Earth only). Mars is inclined at 1.31 degrees. So, not only do we need the Aphelion-Perihelion thing going on, but Mars would have to be at the particular point in orbit where its inclination is 0, or very near to it. It is all three conditions that have to be met to make such a close opposition happen.

Labguy
 
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What is the influence of planets on other planets?

The influence of planets on other planets is known as planetary influence or gravitational influence. It refers to the gravitational pull that planets exert on each other, which affects their orbits and movements.

How does the position of planets affect their influence on other planets?

The position of planets plays a crucial role in their influence on other planets. The closer two planets are in their orbits, the stronger their gravitational pull on each other will be. The angle of their orbits and their mass also affect the strength of their influence.

What are the main effects of planetary influence?

The main effects of planetary influence are the changes in the orbits and rotational speeds of planets. This can cause variations in the length of a planet's day, as well as changes in its axial tilt and overall climate. Planetary influence can also lead to the formation of new moons or rings around a planet.

Do all planets have the same level of influence on each other?

No, the level of influence between planets depends on their mass and distance from each other. The larger and closer a planet is to another, the stronger its influence will be. This is why the most massive planets in our solar system, such as Jupiter, have a significant influence on the orbits of other planets.

How do scientists study and measure planetary influence?

Scientists use mathematical equations and computer simulations to study and measure the influence of planets on each other. They also use telescopes to observe the movements and interactions of planets in our solar system and beyond. The study of planetary influence helps us understand the dynamics of our solar system and the formation and evolution of planets.

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