Sarah Gittins and Lily Frye – Orbital Mechanics

Using the Euler cromer method, we will investigate the movement of solar entities in orbit. First, we will write a program that numerically finds the position and velocity of the earth as it orbits the sun. Second, we will write a program that numerically finds position and velocity of the moon as it orbits the earth as the earth orbits the sun. Third, we will write a program that numerically finds the position and velocity of a large star such as the sun as a massive planet orbits it, or rather as they orbit and affect each other. To calculate these movements we will use basic equations of motion and Kepler’s laws.

 

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1 thought on “Sarah Gittins and Lily Frye – Orbital Mechanics

  1. Avatar photoJenny Magnes

    The Euler Cromer method seems suitable for your project. It would be interesting to see if you can have the program add more planets than just one.

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