At two opposite points in Saturn’s 29.5-year orbit of the Sun, its rings are edge-on to the Earth; they are so thin that they seem to disappear for a time. The intervals between successive edge-on appearances alternate between 13 years 9 months, and 15 years 9 months. Explain how it can be that the intervals are unequal. please help!
2006-11-30 06:23:49 · 5 answers · asked by Drik M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Eliptical orbits. If the orbit were circular, then you'd expect the period to be the same. ...The planet speeds up and slows down and spends more time at the part of the orbit more distant from the sun.
2006-11-30 06:30:20 · answer #1 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Saturn, as well as the Earth, is travelling at different speeds throughout it's elliptical orbit. Taking longer to move 1/2 of its orbit than the other half.
FYI, the Earth is furthest away from the Sun in January and the Earth is moving more slowly then. Closest to the sun in June, really moving then.
Hope this helps.
2006-11-30 06:32:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose it is because Saturn is in an elliptical orbit. It speeds up and slows down as it orbits the Sun. That would mean that it could take less than half the time to go half way around the sun and more than half the time to go the rest of the way around the Sun back to the starting point.
2006-11-30 06:31:41 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in all probability because of the fact Saturn has much less moons that Jupiter, so those rocks get into orbit simpler the place as in Jupiter that is going to collide with yet another moon or while you stated the gravity of Jupiter is plenty greater suitable, so any merchandise close sufficient would be greater possibly sucked in extremely than orbiting it. yet another excuse is in all probability because of the fact Saturn had those jewelry from the initiating, in keeping with possibility like the asteroid belt between Jupiter and mars, its part of an unfinished moon the place all the rock have been saved different than for the gravity from Saturn or its moons. or in keeping with possibility an greater rationalization may be, in keeping with possibility Jupiter does entice greater of those rocks, it rather is why it has greater moons and larger moons that different planets. those rocks have been grew to become into moons over the years. that's an exceedingly sturdy question regardless of the undeniable fact that, a huge call from me.
2016-12-17 19:01:16 · answer #4 · answered by rivalee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the orbits aren't on the same plain. so as each planet moves around the sun, there are different views.
2006-11-30 06:33:08 · answer #5 · answered by Magick Kitty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋