Acertain asteriod is 2.0 A.U from the sun at perihelion and 6.0 A.U from the sun at aphelion. Calculate the?

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semi major axis of the asteriods orbit. What is the asteroids orbital period of revolution about the sun (i.e its sidereal period)?

2006-09-28 06:42:32 · 1 answers · asked by mapleafgal sweet an delicious 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space

Semimajor axis is (2+6)/2=4AU. Using Kepler's 3rd law which says P^2=A^3 gives P=SQRT(4^3) so the period is 8 years.

2006-09-28 06:51:17 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋