Solar wobble - what are the effects of Jupiter and Saturn?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the solar wobble and its relationship with the gravitational influences of Jupiter and Saturn. Participants explore the concept that the Sun may wobble more during a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and less during oppositions. It is established that the Sun experiences gravitational forces as free fall, with tidal forces from Jupiter being significant while those from Saturn are negligible. The implications of these forces on solar deformation and flow dynamics are also considered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational forces in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with the concept of tidal forces
  • Knowledge of celestial mechanics and the solar system's dynamics
  • Basic principles of Newtonian physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of tidal forces on celestial bodies
  • Study the dynamics of solar wobble and its implications
  • Explore the gravitational interactions between Jupiter, Saturn, and the Sun
  • Investigate the concept of the center of mass in multi-body systems
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of celestial mechanics who are interested in the gravitational dynamics of the solar system and the effects of planetary alignments on solar behavior.

littlebud
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Hi
I came across this excellent forum :)

I am trying to figure out the solar wobble. When only looking at the Sun+Jupiter+Saturn, my intuitive interpretation is that the Sun will go faster/wobble more at Jupiter-Saturn-conjunction, and slower at oppositions. Is this correct?

If so, there seems to be an acceleration? Does the Sun "feel" this acceleration in any way? Or is it in "free fall" and does not experience any real force?

If the sun accelerates, would it have any kind of differential effect, so that the Sun is deformed or the flows on the Sun are affected?

Or does the Sun only experience the normal tidal force from Jupiter (while Saturn has a negligible tidal effect)?

Would be pleased to hear any opinions :)
regards
JAn, Norway
 
Last edited:
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littlebud said:
Hi
I came across this excellent forum :)

I am trying to figure out the solar wobble. When only looking at the Sun+Jupiter+Saturn, my intuitive interpretation is that the Sun will go faster/wobble more at Jupiter-Saturn-conjunction, and slower at oppositions. Is this correct?

If so, there seems to be an acceleration? Does the Sun "feel" this acceleration in any way? Or is it in "free fall" and does not experience any real force?

If the sun accelerates, would it have any kind of differential effect, so that the Sun is deformed or the flows on the Sun are affected?

Or does the Sun only experience the normal tidal force from Jupiter (while Saturn has a negligible tidal effect)?

Would be pleased to hear any opinions :)
regards
JAn, Norway

Isaac Newton discovered that the solar system revolves around its center of mass. This is sometimes outside of the Sun. The bodies experience gravity as free fall. I would think that tidal forces are very small.
 

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