Pluto's moon Nix and its wild tumbling orbit

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Nix, Pluto's moon, exhibits a wild tumbling orbit that can be disorienting to observe, as noted in a video clip. The explanatory text highlights that the apparent movement of background stars is significantly slowed down for clarity, which does not accurately reflect Nix's rapid orbit around Pluto and Charon. In reality, if the stars were not slowed, they would complete a full rotation every two seconds, making the video challenging to watch. The discussion humorously suggests that once colonies are established in the inner solar system, Nix could serve as an entertaining location for amusement rides. The unique orbital dynamics of Nix provide intriguing insights into celestial mechanics.
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Note the explanation text below the videocheers
Dave
 
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Indeed it is wild tumbling. Thanks for posting that. A person could get sea-sick if they had to watch that clip overmuch.
As you suggest, it's a good idea to expand the explanatory text below the video, it has more to say.
In particular "... (The apparent star movement rate is greatly slowed down for illustration purposes.) ..."

So the background stars don't give you an accurate idea of how rapidly Nix is orbiting around the two main bodies Pluto-Charon.

I guess if the stars weren't slowed down separately they would whiz around 360 degrees every two seconds, which would be hard to watch. The text says the orbit period of Nix is equivalent to two seconds of video time.
 
marcus said:
A person could get sea-sick if they had to watch that clip overmuch

imagine actually being on that lump of rock!

Dave
 
After we have built colonies everywhere feasible within the inner solar system, this might be a good place to install some funfair rides.
 
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