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

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unique and chaotic orbital characteristics of Pluto's moon Nix, particularly focusing on its tumbling motion and the visual representation of its orbit in a video clip. Participants explore the implications of this motion and its effects on perception.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the wild tumbling nature of Nix's orbit and express concern about the potential for motion sickness when viewing the video representation.
  • There is a suggestion to expand the explanatory text accompanying the video to provide more context about the apparent motion of background stars and their relation to Nix's orbit.
  • One participant speculates about the rapid movement of stars if not slowed down for illustration, estimating that they would complete a full rotation every two seconds in the video.
  • A humorous proposal is made about the potential for future colonization of the inner solar system, suggesting that Nix could serve as a site for amusement rides.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the chaotic nature of Nix's orbit and the effects of the video representation, but there is no consensus on the implications of this motion or the feasibility of future colonization ideas.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific scientific details about Nix's orbital mechanics or the assumptions behind the visual representation in the video.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in planetary science, orbital dynamics, and the potential for future space exploration may find this discussion relevant.

davenn
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
9,726
Reaction score
11,822


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