An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 2.14
The Continuous Spectrum of Light — Carroll & Ostlie
Physics — Astrophysics · halley-comet-orbit
Problem
Cometary orbits usually have very large eccentricities, often approaching (or even exceeding) unity. Halley's comet has an orbital period of 76 yr and an orbital eccentricity of e=0.9673.
(a) What is the semimajor axis of Comet Halley's orbit?
(b) Use the orbital data of Comet Halley to estimate the mass of the Sun.
(c) Calculate the distance of Comet Halley from the Sun at perihelion and aphelion.
(d) Determine the orbital speed of the comet when at perihelion, at aphelion, and on the semiminor axis of its orbit.
(e) How many times larger is the kinetic energy of Halley's comet at perihelion than at aphelion?