Pluto's moon Nix and its wild tumbling orbit

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter davenn
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Moon Orbit
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Pluto's moon Nix exhibits a highly erratic tumbling orbit, which is visually represented in a video that slows down the apparent movement of background stars. The actual orbital period of Nix around the Pluto-Charon system is equivalent to two seconds of video time, creating a disorienting effect for viewers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of expanding explanatory text to clarify the rapid movement of Nix, which could lead to discomfort for those watching the clip repeatedly. Future colonization of the inner solar system may even inspire the creation of amusement rides on Nix.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of celestial mechanics and orbital dynamics
  • Familiarity with video editing techniques for illustrative purposes
  • Knowledge of the Pluto-Charon system and its gravitational interactions
  • Basic concepts of space colonization and its implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the orbital dynamics of irregular moons in the solar system
  • Explore video editing techniques for scientific visualization
  • Study the gravitational interactions between Pluto and Charon
  • Investigate the feasibility of space colonization in the inner solar system
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, space enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of celestial bodies and future space colonization efforts.

davenn
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
9,715
Reaction score
11,708


Note the explanation text below the videocheers
Dave
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Drakkith and marcus
Astronomy news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn

Similar threads

High School Is the barycentre of the Pluto - Charon system also the L1 point?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School The Sun's Influence on the Moon's Orbit: Is it Negligible?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Why does Webb orbit L2, is it because of the Moon?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
Undergrad Are orbital resonances constructive or destructive?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School The Colors of The Moon (Doppler Effect)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad If Jupiter had a 5th large moon until "recently", would we know?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the eccentricity of the lunar orbit constant?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Largest Moon With A Concave Orbit
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Undergrad Can Satellites in Frozen Orbits of the Moon Study Different Ground Areas?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K