Simulation: Our Solar System's Hyperbolic Residents

Click For Summary
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.

tony873004
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
1,753
Reaction score
143
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42, jerromyjon, OmCheeto and 2 others
Astronomy news on Phys.org
PF_Help_Bot said:
Thanks for the thread!
Thanks PF_Help_Bot! I feel so much better now.:rolleyes:

Honestly, I didn't expect many replies. I learned a while back that if you want replies, you have to phase it like you're starting a conversation. Perhaps even ask a question. The "Like" option is perfect for threads like this.

I wonder if when 'Oumuamua reaches 121 AU, it will be considered having "left the solar system" like Voyager 1 was. I wonder how Sedna feels about this.
 
tony873004 said:
Thanks PF_Help_Bot! I feel so much better now.:rolleyes:

Honestly, I didn't expect many replies. I learned a while back that if you want replies, you have to phase it like you're starting a conversation. Perhaps even ask a question. The "Like" option is perfect for threads like this.

I wonder if when 'Oumuamua reaches 121 AU, it will be considered having "left the solar system" like Voyager 1 was. I wonder how Sedna feels about this.
Interesting question. I think the common usage is solar system = heliosphere, but this is only what I've adapted so far. I wouldn't even say V'ger has left the system, as long as it hasn't passed the Oort cloud, and this will still take quite some time. Does anybody know why e.g. NH isn't heading for Sedna?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
12K