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madison bond
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a simple question about celestial mechanics...will the orbit of an object in an eccentric orbit become more circular over time, irrespective of impacts with other debris?
There is an effect called tidal circularization, in which tidal effects between the primary and the satellite work to reduce the eccentricity of the satellite. The strength of this depends on the proximity of the satellite and the mass of the primary. Jupiter has quite a strong effect on its inner satellites, and they have very small eccentricities. It is the gravitational interaction between the Moons themselves which prevent them from settling into circles.madison bond said:a simple question about celestial mechanics...will the orbit of an object in an eccentric orbit become more circular over time, irrespective of impacts with other debris?
jim mcnamara said:@pixel - Consider:
The Earth's orbit varies over time in eccentricity from close to circular to mildly elliptic. Maybe that is what Madison Bond is referring to.
Celestial mechanics is a branch of astronomy that studies the motions and interactions of celestial bodies, such as planets, moons, and comets, in space. It involves understanding the laws of motion and gravity to describe and predict the movements of these objects.
The eccentricity of an orbit is a measure of how elliptical or circular the orbit is. A perfectly circular orbit has an eccentricity of 0, while a highly elliptical orbit has an eccentricity close to 1. It is determined by the distance between the foci of the ellipse and the length of the major axis.
The eccentricity of an orbit affects the speed and distance of a celestial body as it moves around its orbit. A higher eccentricity means the body will have a more varied distance from its central object and will have a faster speed at its closest point and a slower speed at its farthest point.
The eccentricity of an orbit can change due to various factors, such as gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies, tidal forces, and the influence of external forces like solar wind. These changes can result in variations in the shape and orientation of the orbit over time.
The eccentricity of a planet's orbit can have a significant impact on its habitability. A highly eccentric orbit can lead to extreme variations in temperature and climate, making it difficult for life to thrive. A more circular orbit, on the other hand, provides a more stable and moderate environment, making it more suitable for life.