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Astronomy 23/223 Homework:
| 1. | In this course, the major distance unit is an astronomical unit (AU). 1 AU = 149597870 km (or 1.4959787 X 1011 meters). alpha Centauri, the nearest star system, is at a distance of 4.27 light years, where a light year is equal to 9.46073 X 1012 km. Calculate the distance to alpha Centauri in AU. Assume the Earth is in a circular orbit at 1 AU from the Sun. Knowing that the orbital period is one year, compute the orbital speed of the Earth around the Sun. If a spacecraft traveled at this speed, how long would it take to reach alpha Centauri? |
| 2. | Calculate the force of gravity between the Sun and the Moon. Now find the force between the Earth and the Moon. Which is greater? |
| 3. |
From the data given below for the two asteroids 9273 Schloerb and 9274 Amylovell, |
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(a)
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Which has the longer orbital period? |
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(b)
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Which is closest to the sun at perihelion? |
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(c)
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Which is furthest from the the sun at aphelion? |
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(d)
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Do either of these asteroids cross the orbit of the Mars (1.5 AU)? |
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Asteroid 9273 Schloerb has the following orbital elements:
Asteroid 9274 Amylovell has the following orbital elements:
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4. |
Our Moon has an orbital period of 27.322 days, and a semi-major axis of 384,400 km. Use this information to estimate the mass of the Earth, and compare your result with a published value for the mass. |
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5. |
At what distance from Earth would a satellite be synchronized to our rotation period (such that it appeared to remain stationary in the sky)? How does this compare to altitudes which can be reached by the Space Shuttle (which orbits every 90 minutes)? |
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This page was created by Darby
Dyar and is maintained by Darby Dyar and Rebekah Robson-May.
Last updated on 30 April, 2002. |