Calculate the Orbit of Mars!
An Observing Challenge and Historical Adventure
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Beschreibung
This book shows readers how to calculate the orbit of Mars, based on their own observations and using observations made by the author. The historical, observational, and analytical aspects of the project to measure the orbit of Mars are all combined in this one book!
Determining the orbit of Mars is particularly important, as originally solving this problem required the founding of modern science. Clark discusses how people came to believe in the Newtonian model of the Solar System, works through the mathematical basis for the theory of gravity, and shows how Newton ruled out the possibility of alternative theories. Readers also learn how it became possible to accurately measure the positions of Mars from a moving, spinning platform—the Earth.
This mid-level observational challenge is well within reach of most serious amateur astronomers. For the observations, only a telescope with auto-guiding capability and the ability to mount a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is required. For the calculations, it is assumed that the reader has a science, engineering, or mathematics background and is familiar with calculus, vectors, and trigonometry.
This book shows readers how to calculate the orbit of Mars, based on their own observations and using observations made by the author. The historical, observational, and analytical aspects of the project to measure the orbit of Mars are all combined in this one book!
Determining the orbit of Mars is particularly important, as originally solving this problem required the founding of modern science. Clark discusses how people came to believe in the Newtonian model of the Solar System, works through the mathematical basis for the theory of gravity, and shows how Newton ruled out the possibility of alternative theories. Readers also learn how it became possible to accurately measure the positions of Mars from a moving, spinning platform—the Earth.
This mid-level observational challenge is well within reach of most serious amateur astronomers. For the observations, only a telescope with auto-guiding capability and the ability to mount a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is required. For the calculations, it is assumed that the reader has a science, engineering, or mathematics background and is familiar with calculus, vectors, and trigonometry.
Shows readers how to verify that Mars orbits the Sun in an ellipse An observational challenge for serious amateur astronomers Explains the history behind Newton’s law of gravity and its acceptance
Autor*in
Jane Clark
Themen in »Calculate the Orbit of Mars!«
Mars orbit from Earth Astrometric observations Kepler space observatory Computation of planet orbit Tracking Mars Sun ellipse Newtonian model of solar system Theory of Gravity Mass of Earth determined Measure Mars orbit from Earth Newton's Law of Gravity Celestial mechanics
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“It is a book that can be followed by anyone who has taken A-level mathematics, albeit fully understood only if they have read the subject for at least a year at university. … This is a unique text, and represents a rare piece of individual research and writing that has much to commend it. … If you enjoy a mathematical challenge it will be well worth your while to obtain … .” (Richard McKim, The Observatory, Vol. 142 (1291), December, 2022)
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