Mean Equinox J2000.0: Confirm Ecliptic Plane Intersection

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SUMMARY

The ecliptic plane for J2000.0 intersects the center of mass of the Sun, the center of mass of the Earth, and the center of mass of the Earth at 20 March 2000, 07:35 UTC. This conclusion is supported by experiments conducted using the Celestia simulation software. The phrase "Mean Equinox at Epoch J2000.0" refers to the standard reference frame used in celestial mechanics, which may cause confusion due to its technical nature. For official definitions, users are encouraged to consult the IERS website, although it may not provide straightforward answers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of celestial mechanics
  • Familiarity with the J2000.0 epoch
  • Experience using Celestia simulation software
  • Knowledge of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the "Mean Equinox at Epoch J2000.0" in celestial mechanics literature
  • Explore the functionalities of Celestia for celestial simulations
  • Review the IERS documentation for definitions and standards
  • Study the implications of the ecliptic plane in astronomical calculations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of celestial mechanics seeking to understand the intersection of the ecliptic plane with significant celestial bodies at the J2000.0 epoch.

WildEnergy
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Hi

I can't find a clear answer to this anywhere.

Can anybody confirm that the ecliptic plane for J2000.0 intersects these 3 points:

a) center of mass of sun @ J2000.0
b) center of mass of Earth @ J2000.0
c) center of mass of Earth @ 20 March 2000 07:35 UTC

Experiments with Celestia seem to confirm this.

But I am confused by the phrase "Mean Equinox at Epoch J2000.0"

Also does anybody know where to find the official definition?
Looking around the IERS website - never seem to find the actual full answer.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
all this is deprecated now, as explained by this PDF:
http://syrte.obspm.fr/iau/iauWGnfa/wallace_com8_ga06.pdf"
the reason I could find no answer - is because there is no answer
 
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