High School Largest Moon With A Concave Orbit

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the orbital characteristics of celestial bodies, specifically addressing the concave or "looped" paths of moons in relation to the Sun. Asimov clarified that Earth's Moon does not exhibit a concave orbit, while Ganymede, the largest moon in the Solar System, does. Additionally, Charon, Pluto's moon, also demonstrates a concave path at certain times. The inquiry into whether Pluto itself has a concave orbit remains open for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heliocentric orbits
  • Familiarity with celestial mechanics
  • Knowledge of the characteristics of Ganymede and Charon
  • Basic astronomy terminology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the orbital mechanics of Ganymede and its heliocentric path
  • Investigate the orbital characteristics of Charon in relation to Pluto
  • Explore the concept of concave orbits in celestial bodies
  • Examine the gravitational interactions between Pluto and Charon
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and students studying celestial mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the dynamics of moons and their orbits within the Solar System.

1977ub
Messages
530
Reaction score
22
TL;DR
Asimov pointed out that Earth's Moon is nowhere concave (looped) in its motion with regard to the Sun.
Asimov pointed out that Earth's Moon is nowhere concave (looped) in its motion with regard to the Sun.
What about Pluto and Charon - are both concave w.r.t. the Sun at certain times? Moreover, what is the largest body in the solar system which is sometimes concave w.r.t. The Sun? Thank you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbit_of_the_Moon#Path_of_Earth_and_Moon_around_Sun
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
The largest moon in the Solar system is Ganymede, and it has a "looped" heliocentric path.
Charon also has such a path.
 
Thank you - I was also wondering of Pluto itself has such a path.
 

Thread 'Galaxy MoM-z14 - furthest observed object'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MoM-z14 Any photon with energy above 24.6 eV is going to ionize any atom. K, L X-rays would certainly ionize atoms. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-the-most-distant-galaxy/ The James Webb Space Telescope has found the most distant galaxy ever seen, at the dawn of the cosmos. Again. https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/webb-mom-z14 A Cosmic Miracle: A Remarkably Luminous Galaxy at zspec = 14.44 Confirmed with JWST...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Two moons in tidal lock orbit: phases, tides, axial tilt?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
What Is the Most Relevant Contribution to Earth's Orbit After the Sun?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad New Developments In The Search For Planet X
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
High School The Sun's Influence on the Moon's Orbit: Is it Negligible?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Can the moon orbit be used as perpetual motion?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Could life on Earth survive the far future?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad Tidal effects on Earth's rotation and moon's orbit
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Graduate What keeps Rhea stable? Simulation shows Titan-assist escape
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
A Puzzle Involving the Moon's Orbital Motion
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K