The discovery of Neptune is often quoted as a triumph of Newtonian mechanics. What is the reason for this statement?
a. Its location was predicted mathematically before it was actually seen.
b. The Dark Spot is due to differential rotation in its clouds
c. Uranus’ sideways rotation produces a wobble in Neptune
d. It is the farthest of the Jovian planets
2007-11-27 16:55:02 · 7 answers · asked by higherlovetx 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I'm inclined to go with 'c' - since every action has a reaction????
2007-11-27 16:56:27 · update #1
The answer is a :)
Discovered on September 23, 1846, Neptune was the first planet discovered by mathematical prediction rather than regular observation. Perturbations in the orbit of Uranus led astronomers to deduce Neptune's existence.
2007-11-27 17:19:30 · answer #1 · answered by forerunner7 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The problem with c. is that you can't discover there is a wobble in Neptune until it has been discovered. The opposite might be true: you might discover Neptune on the basis of a wobble in the orbit of Uranus. At that time, they didn't have instruments that would allow them to observe anything more than irregularities in its orbit.
Neptune's location was predicted mathematically by observing the effect it had on closer planets, Uranus in particular.
2007-11-28 03:50:46 · answer #2 · answered by Pat G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe the correct answer is "a". Same reason you gave, for every action......... If I remember the story right, that was the planet which was discovered because of an "irregularity" in the orbit of the next closer, and larger planet. The irregularity being caused by the gravitational forces from Neptune, which there to fore had not been discovered.
2007-11-28 13:23:03 · answer #3 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is a.
Uranus does indeed have a wobble. Astronomers in the 18th century guessed that there must be some other large body outside the orbit of Uranus causing it. So you'd think the answer is C...
However, it is thanks to Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation that one astronomer was able to calculate just where that other body ought to be based on precise measurement of Uranus' wobble. So the distance, mass and orbital period of Neptune was known even before it was spotted with a telescope. So the answer is A. It has to be since without Newton, knowing that Uranus wobbles is by itself not enough.
2007-11-28 02:00:20 · answer #4 · answered by stork5100 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The answer is a. Neptune was predicted by its actions on its neighbors. When it was finally discovered it was right where it was supposed to be.
2007-11-28 01:01:21 · answer #5 · answered by kevpet2005 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A/ Predicted mathematically which is what Newtonian Mechanics is all about.
2007-11-28 13:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by Birdman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a., actually.
2007-11-28 00:59:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋