An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 2.17
The Continuous Spectrum of Light — Carroll & Ostlie
Physics — Astrophysics · orbit-computer-mars
Problem
(a) From the data given in Example 2.1.1, use Orbit (Appendix J) to generate an orbit for Mars. Plot at least 25 points, evenly spaced in time, on a sheet of graph paper and clearly indicate the principal focus.
(b) Using a compass, draw a perfect circle on top of the elliptical orbit for Mars, choosing the radius of the circle and its center carefully in order to make the best possible approximation of the orbit. Be sure to mark the center of the circle you chose (note that it will not correspond to the principal focus of the elliptical orbit).
(c) What can you conclude about the merit of Kepler's first attempts to use offset circles and equants to model the orbit of Mars?