SUMMARY
This discussion centers on a browser-based simulation that visualizes the trajectories and speeds of hyperbolic objects in our solar system, specifically Pioneer 10 & 11, Voyager 1 & 2, New Horizons, and ʻOumuamua. The simulation can be accessed at this link, while an accompanying animation is available here. Participants engage in a conversation about the definitions of leaving the solar system, particularly in relation to the distances of these spacecraft and objects from the Sun, with a focus on the 121 AU mark for ʻOumuamua.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of heliosphere and solar system boundaries
- Familiarity with astronomical units (AU) as a distance measurement
- Basic knowledge of the trajectories of space missions like Voyager and New Horizons
- Experience with browser-based simulations and animations
NEXT STEPS
- Explore the physics behind hyperbolic trajectories in celestial mechanics
- Research the Oort cloud and its significance in defining the solar system's edge
- Learn about the specific missions of Pioneer and Voyager spacecraft
- Investigate the current status and trajectory of ʻOumuamua and its implications for future studies
USEFUL FOR
Astronomers, educators, space enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of solar system exploration and the classification of celestial objects.