|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
pioneer acceleration question
Can we determine precisely the direction pioneer is taking, with
respect to the sun? If it is engaged in a direction change ultimately to return to SS orbit, what would the first indication be to our measurement devices? ... Thanks, johnreed |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
pioneer acceleration question
"johnreed" wrote in message
... Can we determine precisely the direction pioneer is taking, with respect to the sun? It is moving at roughly a 10 degree angle to the radial direction on a hyperbolic orbit. If it is engaged in a direction change ultimately to return to SS orbit, what would the first indication be to our measurement devices? ... The anomalous acceleration appears to be directed towards the Sun or Earth (those directions are separated by less than 2 degrees seen from the craft so cannot be distinguished at the resolution of the data). To change direction, there would need to be a transverse component which does not appear to exist. The craft will never return, they are well above escape velocity. Dividing the present speed by the anomalous acceleration gives about 500 million years for the craft to stop. George |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
pioneer acceleration question
George Dishman wrote:
"johnreed" wrote in message ... Can we determine precisely the direction pioneer is taking, with respect to the sun? It is moving at roughly a 10 degree angle to the radial direction on a hyperbolic orbit. jr writes Was the hyperbolic expected and the anomaly one of degree? If it is engaged in a direction change ultimately to return to SS orbit, what would the first indication be to our measurement devices? ... The anomalous acceleration appears to be directed towards the Sun or Earth (those directions are separated by less than 2 degrees seen from the craft so cannot be distinguished at the resolution of the data). To change direction, there would need to be a transverse component which does not appear to exist. The craft will never return, they are well above escape velocity. Dividing the present speed by the anomalous acceleration gives about 500 million years for the craft to stop. George jr writes Thanks George. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
pioneer acceleration question
johnreed wrote:
George Dishman wrote: "johnreed" wrote in message ... Can we determine precisely the direction pioneer is taking, with respect to the sun? It is moving at roughly a 10 degree angle to the radial direction on a hyperbolic orbit. jr writes Was the hyperbolic expected and the anomaly one of degree? Yes, the trajectory is almost exactly what was planned. The anomaly is tiny by comparison, an acceleration that has added up to only 0.2m/s error in over twenty years compared to a planned speed of about 12000m/s George |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
pioneer acceleration question
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Gravitational Doppler | [email protected] | Astronomy Misc | 12 | July 28th 06 08:41 AM |
NOMINATION: digest, volume 2453397 | Ross | Astronomy Misc | 233 | October 23rd 05 04:24 AM |
Rocket acceleration question | Makhno | Science | 8 | September 22nd 05 08:16 AM |
Pioneer 10 acceleration | Spud | Astronomy Misc | 40 | July 16th 04 05:20 AM |