Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around whether a projection from the surface of a spinning planet can achieve orbit after an impact. Participants explore the dynamics of projectile motion, the implications of Earth's rotation, and the conditions necessary for achieving orbit, including comparisons to thought experiments like Newton's cannon.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant describes a simulation involving a "Newton cannon" and questions whether a projection with radial velocity can achieve orbit, noting that it always falls back to Earth.
- Another participant references the meteorite collection thread and discusses the origins of meteorites, suggesting that impacts can lead to material being ejected from a planet.
- Some participants discuss the Giant Impact theory and its implications for the formation of the Moon, highlighting the chemical similarities between Earth and the Moon.
- A participant argues that a projectile from a spinning planet would not enter orbit due to insufficient horizontal velocity, emphasizing that the projectile would need additional thrust to achieve orbit.
- There is a clarification that the "Newton cannon" is a thought experiment and not directly applicable to the scenario being discussed, as it assumes no atmospheric resistance.
- Another participant notes that with a single massive body, trajectories are closed ellipses, but the presence of a second massive body alters the dynamics, potentially allowing for capture by gravity.
- Several posts inquire about venues for discussing new ideas, with responses indicating that mainstream science is the focus of the forum and that proposals outside established science may not be welcomed.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether a projection can achieve orbit, with some arguing against it due to the lack of horizontal velocity, while others explore the implications of gravitational interactions with other bodies. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge the complexities of projectile motion in relation to Earth's rotation and the conditions required for achieving orbit, but there are no settled conclusions regarding the feasibility of projections achieving orbit after an impact.
