What is the synodic period of Mercury?

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SUMMARY

The synodic period of Mercury is definitively calculated to be approximately 115.8776 days, based on the orbital periods of Mercury and Earth. The calculations utilize the formula sp = 1/(1/E - 1/P), where E represents Earth's sidereal year (365.256363 days) and P represents Mercury's sidereal year (87.96934 days). Various sources, including NASA's planetary factsheet, provide rounded figures, but the most accurate value is 115.877623 days. This refined calculation aligns with multiple references confirming the synodic period of Mercury.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with sidereal years
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical calculations involving fractions
  • Knowledge of planetary data sources, such as NASA's databases
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for calculating synodic periods for other planets
  • Explore the differences between sidereal and synodic periods
  • Investigate the orbital mechanics of Mercury in detail
  • Review NASA's planetary fact sheets for additional planetary data
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Astronomy enthusiasts, students studying planetary science, and educators seeking accurate data on planetary periods will benefit from this discussion.

Helios
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What is the synodic period of Mercury? What is the average synodic period of Mercury? I have combed the internet. Some sources use a number around

115.877484 days and they seem sure of themselves.

I don't own astronomy references. Help please
 
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That page just gives

115.88 days

and I have a feeling that this is a rounded-off number.
 
You can calculate the synoptic period from the orbital period of mercury and Earth
E = Earth sidereal year
P = Other planet sidereal year
Then sp = 1/(1/E-1/P)
 
I would calculate this as ( correcting mgb's equation )
P = 87.9691
E = 365.256363
sp = 1/(1/P-1/E) = 115.8772

However, a lot of internet sources, even encyclopedic ones, have a preference for

sp = 115.8776 days
 
and with possibly better values, I would now calculate this as
P = 87.96934
E = 365.256363
sp = 1/(1/P-1/E) = 115.877623

and some other references have concurred with this datum
 

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