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oq123
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If we had a literal two body system (point masses M and m), with one orbiting the other according to Newton's Law of gravitation, would there be orbital precession? Or would they map out the same ellipse each time?
Nooq123 said:If we had a literal two body system (point masses M and m), with one orbiting the other according to Newton's Law of gravitation, would there be orbital precession?
dipole said:numerical simulations can be unstable - you accumulate errors over time. You should check that the total energy of the system remains constant in your simulations.
Note that any kind of perturbations which deviate from a 1/r potential will lead to precession.
Orbital precession is the gradual change in the orientation of an orbit over time. This can occur due to several factors, such as gravitational interactions with other bodies or the effects of general relativity.
The change in orientation caused by orbital precession can alter the trajectory and speed of celestial bodies, leading to changes in their orbital period and position in the sky. This can have significant impacts on the stability of planetary systems and the long-term evolution of the universe.
The exact cause of orbital precession can vary depending on the specific system. In some cases, it is due to the influence of other bodies in the system, while in others it may be caused by the curvature of space-time itself. Overall, the main contributor to orbital precession is the presence of gravitational forces.
Yes, the rate of orbital precession can be predicted using mathematical models and simulations. However, due to the complexity of gravitational interactions, these predictions may not always be accurate and can be influenced by various factors such as the distribution of mass in the system.
The study of orbital precession is important in our understanding of the laws of gravity and how they affect the motion of celestial bodies. It also provides insights into the dynamics and evolution of planetary systems, and contributes to our understanding of the broader universe and its origins.