Solar eclipse prediction error due to planetary motion · CAP 2005 #4

Physics · mechanics

Problem

To a good approximation, Earth and Jupiter move around the Sun in circular orbits of 1.49×1081.49 \times 10^8 km and 7.79×1097.79 \times 10^9 km radius, respectively. What is the maximum error that can arise in the prediction of solar eclipse times (as observed from Earth) on Jupiter caused by one of its moons if one fails to take into account the variation of the relative position of the two planets? (a) 2.6×1032.6 \times 10^3 s; (b) 3.1×1033.1 \times 10^3 s; (c) 5.0×1025.0 \times 10^2 s; (d) 9.9×1029.9 \times 10^2 s.

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