Astronomy Stack Exchange
Astronomy Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [mathematics]

For astronomy questions with a heavy mathematical component, more than simple formulas. For regular mathematics question, visit our sister site Mathematics Stack Exchange.

For astronomy questions with a heavy mathematical component, more than simple formulas.

For regular mathematics question, visit our sister site Mathematics Stack Exchange.

179 questions
8
votes
4 answers

Why can't we use the semi-minor axis in Kepler's third law?

Why can't we use the semi-minor axis in Kepler's third law? The formula for the third law is: $$\dfrac{a^3}{T^2} = \text{const.} $$ Instead of semi-major axis (a) why can't we use the semi-minor axis (b)? $$\dfrac{b^3}{T^2} \neq \text{const.} $$ I…
xenfoulis
  • 479
  • 4
  • 6
2
votes
4 answers

How does each degree equal to 60 minutes?

I was searching in the internet to find the reason each degree equals to 60 minutes and I found this: 60 seconds make up a minute. One day is equal to 24 hours, and the hour hand completes two 360-degree circles around the clock in a single day,…
Snack Exchange
  • 995
  • 7
  • 20
2
votes
0 answers

References to learn about algorithms/mathematics related to building planetarium / astronomy software?

I'm a beginner in astronomy with a background in engineering and mathematics. I'm interested in learning how to build astronomy software to model the position and movement of planets and stars, brightness, etc. So, not so much astrophysics or…
Ana
  • 181
  • 2
1
vote
1 answer

Meaning of "variables of date" in VSOP87 files

When I read the description of VSOP87, I find out that there is a file with "variables of date" and a file with "variables J2000". In Astronomical Algorithms of J. Meeus I can find out how to use the variant "Variables J2000". But I don't know, for…
lazyboy
  • 113
  • 3
1
vote
0 answers

Astronomy 101 Algebra Question

I’m taking Astronomy 101 this semester and this question on my homework is confusing me, You may assume these conversions: 3.3 feet in 1 meter, 5280 feet in 1 mile, 60 seconds in 1 minute, 60 minutes in 1 hour, 24 hours in 1 day, 365 days in 1…
Jarrod Walker
  • 11
  • 2
0
votes
1 answer

Poisson's equation-like formula in axis-symmetric Galactic potential in terms of Oort constants

I am tackling this problem, from a 2016 Cambridge Astrophysics Tripos past paper: Let $\Phi(R, z)$ be the axi-symmetric Galactic potential. At the Solar location, $(R, z) = (R_0, 0)$, prove that $$\frac{\partial^{2} \Phi}{\partial z^{2}}=4 \pi G…
zabop
  • 481
  • 4
  • 17
0
votes
1 answer

Generate East and North unit vectors tangent to a point on the celestial sphere, using vectors?

I am stuck and a little embarrassed. I'm trying to implement this answer. I have a unit vector $w$ pointing in the direction of a radio source on the celestial sphere. $u$ and $v$ are the two other, mutually orthogonal unit vectors that point east…
uhoh
  • 31,151
  • 9
  • 89
  • 293
-1
votes
1 answer

Projection from Earth

If a Particle is projected from Equator due north with a velocity $v$ and Earth is rotating with a uniform angular velocity $\omega$. How can it be shown that the highest latitude reached will be given by the following expression?…
Particle king
  • 547
  • 2
  • 12