(a)
The radius of the orbit of Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft given that, the orbital period of the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is
(a)
Answer to Problem 40Q
Solution:
Explanation of Solution
Given data:
The orbital periodic time for Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is
Mass of Mars is
Formula used:
Write the expression for Newton’s form of Kepler’s third law,
Here,
Explanation:
The spacecraft’s orbital periodic time
Recall the expression for Newton’s form of Kepler’s third law,
Substitute
Here, M is the mass of Mars.
Substitute
Conclusion:
Hence, the radius of Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is
(b)
The average altitude of Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft above the surface of Mars given that, it was in the orbit of Mars for
(b)
Answer to Problem 40Q
Solution:
Explanation of Solution
Given data:
The orbital periodic time for Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is
Formula used:
Write the relation between the radius and the diameter of Mars,
Here,
Explanation:
Recall the expression for the radius of the orbit,
Substitute
From part (a), radius of Mars is 3770 km.
The radius of orbit of Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft above the surface is
Conclusion:
Hence, the average altitude of Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is more than the radius of Mars by 373 km.
(c)
The reason for the possibility of observing the entire surface of the planet from the orbit of the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft passing through the poles of Mars.
(c)
Answer to Problem 40Q
Solution:
The orbital plane of Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft remains fixed whereas, Mars rotates continuously on its orbit. This makes it possible for the spacecraft to observe the entire surface of Mars.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
Polar orbits are those orbits, in which when an object (usually satellites) orbits those objects (satellites) that are able to pass through both the poles of the object (usually planets) that is being orbited.
Explanation:
Satellites in polar orbits are able to observe the entire surface of the planet as the orbital plane in which the motion of the satellite is fixed, remains the same. Therefore, while Mars is rotating about its axis, spacecrafts at the polar orbit like Mars Global Surveyor are able to observe the entire surface of the planet, Mars in this case.
Conclusion:
The orbital plane of the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is fixed with respect to the orbital plane of Mars, so, it is possible for it to observe the entire surface of Mars.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 11 Solutions
Universe
- Calculate the energy flux density, Fm , at the average distance of Mars from the Sun, rm , (energy flux divided by surface area of sphere). Mars' distance from the Sun = rm = 2.279 x 1013 cmFm = L /(4prm2) = ________________ ergs/s Next Calcuate the Amount of Solar Energy absorbed by Mars is the surface area of Mars which is facing the Sun (1/2 of Mars' surface area = 4pdm2 / 2 = 2pdm2 ) . Where dm = 3.398 x 106 cm is the radius of Mars. So Mars receives :arrow_forwardHow long, deep, and wide would a terrestrial chasm have to be to have the same proportions relative to the Earth that Valles Marineris has to Mars?arrow_forwardThe Mars Robotic Lander for which we are making these calculations is designed to return samples of rock from Mars after a long time of collecting samples, exploring the area around the landing site, and making chemical analyses of rocks and dust in the landing area. One synodic period is required for Earth to be in the same place relative to mars as when it landed. Calculate the synodic period (in years) using the following formula: 1/Psyn = (1/PEarth) - (1/PMars) where PEarth is the sidereal period of the Earth (1 year) and PMars is the sidereal period of Mars. If 3/4 of a Martian year was spent collecting samples and exploring the terrain around the landing site, calculate how long the Mars Robotic Lander expedition took!arrow_forward
- What is the value of the IR transmission factor (f) for a Venus-like planet, if the measured average surface temperature is 706 K? Assume the following values for the planet: E, = 2.60x10³ W m² and a = 0.71. Would the average temperature increase or decrease if f decreased?arrow_forwardAt an average opposition, the Earth and Mars are separated by 0.52 AU. Suppose an astronomer observes Mars at opposition and that seeing blurs the images to a resolution of 1.0 seconds of arc. What is the smallest surface feature the astronomer would be able to resolve on Mars? How does this size compare with the diameter of Mars?arrow_forwardNASA's analysis of meteorites and dust accumulated in the Earth's ice sheets, as well as of dust and sand particles collected from the space shuttle heat shields, suggest that which of the following amounts (to the closest order of magnitude) of Mars-derived space debris come to Earth each year? Select one: a. grams/year O b. kilos/year Oc. 10's of kilos/year O d. metric tonnes/year O e. None of the other options are correct.arrow_forward
- What is a dust devil? Would you expect to feel more of a breeze from a dust devil on Mars or on Earth? Explain.arrow_forwardSuppose that, decades from now, NASA is considering sending astronauts to Mars and Venus. In each case, describe what kind of protective gear they would have to carry, and what their chances for survival would be if their spacesuits ruptured.arrow_forwardDescribe sources and sinks of CO2, if any, on Mars today.arrow_forward
- Why is Mars red?arrow_forwardAgain using Appendix F, which planets might you expect to have extreme seasons? Whyarrow_forwardPart of the "Mars Direct" mission plan involves rotating the spacecraft on its way to Mars to provide the astronauts with a simulation of Martian gravity. True False Due to the need to catch the correct launch window for the trip home, the total duration for a round trip to Mars will have to be at most 18 months at least 18 months at least 30 months at most 12 months at least 24 monthsarrow_forward
- Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)PhysicsISBN:9781337399920Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana BackmanPublisher:Cengage LearningAstronomyPhysicsISBN:9781938168284Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. WolffPublisher:OpenStax
- Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)PhysicsISBN:9781337399944Author:Michael A. SeedsPublisher:Cengage LearningHorizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course ...PhysicsISBN:9781305960961Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana BackmanPublisher:Cengage Learning