The discussion centers on the dynamics of planetary orbits within the Solar System, specifically the concept of barycenters. It is established that the Earth orbits the Earth-Sun barycenter while the Sun orbits the Solar System barycenter (SSBC), which is influenced by the positions of all celestial bodies. The participants emphasize that using a two-body approximation, such as the Earth-Sun system, simplifies calculations but does not accurately represent the complex gravitational interactions at play. The conversation highlights the need for precision in defining orbits based on the chosen frame of reference.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, astrophysicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of planetary motion and gravitational interactions in the Solar System.
That "in lay person's term" is the heart of the problem with this thread. You are interpreting "orbiting the barycenter" in terms of Keplerian orbits. People who say that the bodies in the solar system orbit the solar system barycenter are not talking about Keplerian orbits.Andrew1955 said:I am meaning, according to the best available JPL ephemerides, the planets influence on the Earth Sun distance is tiny, compared to the very large differences that would be created by (in lay persons terms) 'orbiting the solar system barycenter'.
D H said:That "in lay person's term" is the heart of the problem with this thread. You are interpreting "orbiting the barycenter" in terms of Keplerian orbits. People who say that the bodies in the solar system orbit the solar system barycenter are not talking about Keplerian orbits.