The presence of an unseen planet orbiting a distant star can sometimes be inferred from the motion
Question:
The presence of an unseen planet orbiting a distant star can sometimes be inferred from the motion of the star ab we see it. As the star and planet orbit the center of mass of the star-planet system, the star moves toward and away from us with what is called the line of sight velocity, a motion that can be detected. Figure shows a graph of the line of sight velocity versus time for the star 14 Herculis. The star's mass is believed to be 0.90 of the mass of our Sun. Assume that only one planet orbits the star and that our view is along the plane of the orbit. Then approximate(a) The planet's mass in terms of Jupiter's mass mj and(b) The planet's orbital radius in terms of Earth's orbital radiusrE.
Step by Step Answer:
Fundamentals of Physics
ISBN: 978-0471758013
8th Extended edition
Authors: Jearl Walker, Halliday Resnick