Class 4 - Celestial Mechanics III - Energy

We started with a discussion of the Moon, the Lagrange points ( and Figure 3-8), and the issue of whether the gravitational force of the Sun or of the Earth is greater at the Moon, and the derivation thereof. Here is a diagram which illustrates how this works.

Black Holes - Lagrange point and Roche Lobe, Accretion disk making x-rays

Graviational potential energy - derivation, total energy, diagram, binding energy, bound vs. escape orbits, KE vs PE at Apo/periapse.

Changing orbits - increasing/decreasing eccentricity, Hohmann transfer, Voyager 2, gravity assist velocities, GA momentum transfer, Cassini, ISEE 3.

These discussions equip us for a discussion of gravitational collapse of the interstellar cloud from which the solar system formed - as well as the evolution of material into the solar system that we have today.

Next week's reading = Chapter 4.