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In: Physics

Estimate the eccentricity e of the earth’s orbit around the sun by taking account of the...

Estimate the eccentricity e of the earth’s orbit around the sun by taking account of the differing lengths of the seasons. Please show step by step.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Perihelion is that point in the elliptical orbit where Earth is closest to Sun. Aphelion is at the opposite end of the ellipse, where Earth is furthest from Sun.

  1. Variations in season lengths become more extreme as eccentricity increases, because Earth moves faster near perihelion and slower near aphelion, as per Kepler's Second Law of Planetary Motion.
  2. As eccentricity increases the perihelion distance from Sun decreases and the distance at aphelion increases, with consequent decrease in time spent near perihelion and increase in time spent near aphelion.
  3. Global mean temperatures may decrease as eccentricity increases, due to more time spent further away from Sun.
  4. When perihelion is at a mid-season point the prior and next season are equal and of median length.
  5. When perihelion is at an equinox or solstice the length of that season equals the prior season length, and the opposite season length matches its prior season length.
  6. At all other times, all seasons have unequal lengths which can differ by as much as 7 days, or even more with higher orbital eccentricity.

Calculation of the earths orbital eccentricity is aattached


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