Spinning and rotation of planets

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dynamics of planetary motion, specifically the relationship between mass, center of mass, and spin. It establishes that while planets X and Y orbit their common center of mass, the spin of a planet is independent of this center, commonly referred to as the barycenter. The conversation highlights that even with varying mass ratios, such as when Mx is significantly larger than My, the barycenter's position does not dictate a planet's spin. The complexity increases with multiple celestial bodies, but the fundamental principles of motion and center of mass remain consistent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of barycenter
  • Knowledge of mass distribution in celestial systems
  • Basic principles of rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of mass ratios on orbital dynamics
  • Study the concept of barycenter in multi-body systems
  • Explore the principles of angular momentum in planetary systems
  • Investigate the role of uniform density in celestial bodies' spin
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of celestial mechanics who seek to understand the complexities of planetary motion and the influence of mass on spin dynamics.

wilsonlye
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consider two planets, planet X and planet Y with masses, Mx and My separated with distance, D and they orbits about the centre of mass of the system which remains stationary.

we know that period of orbit for X and Y are the same because they are always collinear with the centre of mass

suppose Mx much more bigger than My, then the centre of mass of the system is almost at the centre of planet X, thus planet X will spin in its own axis.

then how to explain in system consists of multiple stars and planets. It seems to be too complicated, and the ratio of masses between planets is not infinite.
 
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wilsonlye said:
suppose Mx much more bigger than My, then the centre of mass of the system is almost at the centre of planet X, thus planet X will spin in its own axis.

This is an incorrect assumption.
In general, the spin is independent of orbital center of mass, usually referred to as the barycenter.
For a planet of uniform density , the position of barycenter doesn't affect spin.

...
 
I don't really see a question here. What do you want explained? Don't make the mistake of equating "effectively zero" with "exactly zero" in those ratios.

When you change "the system" by adding more bodies you change where the center of mass will be. Yes the motions will be complex. But still the total center of mass remains unchanged (or moves with constant velocity depending on your frame of reference).
 

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