What is the rate of motion in Right Ascension for the asteroid?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rate of motion in Right Ascension for an asteroid using two different methods: Right Ascension values and Time Index values. The Right Ascension values provided are 23:03:53.99 and 23:03:49.17, resulting in a distance of 4.82 seconds. The Time Index values are 12:16:58 UTC and 4:39:04 UTC, yielding a time difference of 17,762 seconds. The calculations yield rates of motion of 0.32133 seconds/degree using Right Ascension and 1184.13 seconds/degree using Time Index, highlighting the importance of using the correct units for the final rate in seconds of arc/hour.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Right Ascension and its measurement in astronomy
  • Basic knowledge of time conversion and units (seconds to hours)
  • Familiarity with astrometric calculations and rate of motion
  • Ability to perform arithmetic operations with time and angular measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about astrometric calculations in astronomy
  • Study the conversion of angular measurements from degrees to seconds of arc
  • Research the significance of Right Ascension in celestial navigation
  • Explore the use of time indices in astronomical observations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysics researchers, and anyone involved in astrometric measurements and calculations related to celestial objects.

Haseo Antares
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1. Homework Statement
This is an Astrometry problem. I am not sure or how exactly to proceed:



Data:

First off, I am unsure which data points to use. Should I use the values from right ascension or the values from the time index.

1 hour = 15 degrees
24 hours = 360 degrees

Image 01 Right Ascension: 23:03:53.99
Image 02 Right Ascension: 23:03:49.17

Image 01 RA - Image 02 RA = 23:03:53.99 -23:03:49.17 = 00:00:04.82

Image 01 Time Index: 12:16:58 UTC
Image 02 Time Index: 4:39:04 UTC

Image 01 Time Index - Image 02 Time Index = 4 hours 56 minutes 2 seconds = 17,762 seconds

Question:
Calculate the rates of motion in Right Ascension (seconds/hour) of the asteroid:

Homework Equations


Rate = Distance/Time

The Attempt at a Solution



With values from Right Ascension[/B]
4.82 sec/ 15 degrees = 0.32133 (3 repeats) sec/deg

OR

With values from Time Index
17,762 sec/ 15 degrees = 1184.13 (3 repeats) sec/deg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're supposed to calculate the rates in sec of arc/hour, which is not the same units as sec (of time) / deg.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Haseo Antares
Thank you for the response SteamKing.

I'm not sure I understand. Can you expand on that? I'm also confused on which value I am supposed to use - the Right Ascension value or the rime index value?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K