Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by hef19898 on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @10:53AM
(#39539569)
Another question, is there something like a max. rotation speed for a planet in a certain distance to a sun of a certain size?
Edit as a general response: Question answered, multiple times, thank you! Also, there my basic physics knowledge resurfaces, thank you for that as well!
Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by thfuran on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @11:05AM
(#39539771)
For a given stellar mass and orbital radius (assuming a circular orbit), there's not really any wiggle room on how long the planet's orbital period is. Speeding up or slowing down the planet requires it to orbit at a different distance. If you meant the speed of a planet's rotation about its own axis, I guess the limit would basically be the point at which it tears itself apart by spinning so fast that its gravity no longer holds it together.
Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by TeMPOraL on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @10:59AM
(#39539637)
Yes, but that would be dictated by how fast can it spin before shattering into pieces. So mostly gravity/composition thing, I'd imagine. Many things in solar systems are (postulated to) derive from the rotation of the protoplanetary disk, via conservation of angular momentum - however, planets can also get spun up or down after forming by e.g. collisions with other objects, including extra-system objects.
Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by hef19898 on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @11:02AM
(#39539711)
Just realized, I meant orbit speed and not rotation aeound the planets axis. Shouldn't write in parallel to meetings... Your answer was very interesting so, thank you!
Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by TeMPOraL on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @11:09AM
(#39539840)
I see! In the other case, the answer is: velocity vector determines the orbit. For any given point at any given orbit, there's only one valid velocity vector relative to the star (direction and magnitude) - tweaking it tweaks the shape of the orbit.
One of the best way to get an intuition for orbits is to play Kerbal Space Program for a few hours :).
Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by hef19898 on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @11:12AM
(#39539881)
Going back to my buried physics knowledge, that is quite logic. Thanks again!
I am just afraid to touch Kerbal Space Program, I really cannot afford another time sink at the moment!
As one time ovner of a Star Wars RPG PC whos secret super weapon was his tremendous Astrogation skill, I really should so I guess!
Re:'Mathematically perfect' star system being investigated f...
by pavel_lishin on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @11:06AM
(#39539781)
There is only one stable speed at which a planet can orbit in a circle; any slower, and it'll start falling in toward the star, and any faster and it'll start to move away from the star.
The only way to vary the speed is a powered orbit, and that's not likely to happen with a planet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyquist_frequency