Theory of Orbital Motion


Book Description

Abstract:




Orbital Motion


Book Description

Long established as one of the premier references in the fields of astronomy, planetary science, and physics, the fourth edition of Orbital Motion continues to offer comprehensive coverage of the analytical methods of classical celestial mechanics while introducing the recent numerical experiments on the orbital evolution of gravitating masses and the astrodynamics of artificial satellites and interplanetary probes. Following detailed reviews of earlier editions by distinguished lecturers in the USA and Europe, the author has carefully revised and updated this edition. Each chapter provides a thorough introduction to prepare you for more complex concepts, reflecting a consistent perspective and cohesive organization that is used throughout the book. A noted expert in the field, the author not only discusses fundamental concepts, but also offers analyses of more complex topics, such as modern galactic studies and dynamical parallaxes. New to the Fourth Edition: * Numerous updates and reorganization of all chapters to encompass new methods * New results from recent work in areas such as satellite dynamics * New chapter on the Caledonian symmetrical n-body problem Extending its coverage to meet a growing need for this subject in satellite and aerospace engineering, Orbital Motion, Fourth Edition remains a top reference for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students, professionals such as engineers, and serious amateur astronomers.




Theory of Orbits


Book Description

Half a century ago, S. Chandrasekhar wrote these words in the preface to his 1 celebrated and successful book: In this monograph an attempt has been made to present the theory of stellar dy namics as a branch of classical dynamics - a discipline in the same general category as celestial mechanics. [ ... ] Indeed, several of the problems of modern stellar dy namical theory are so severely classical that it is difficult to believe that they are not already discussed, for example, in Jacobi's Vorlesungen. Since then, stellar dynamics has developed in several directions and at var ious levels, basically three viewpoints remaining from which to look at the problems encountered in the interpretation of the phenomenology. Roughly speaking, we can say that a stellar system (cluster, galaxy, etc.) can be con sidered from the point of view of celestial mechanics (the N-body problem with N» 1), fluid mechanics (the system is represented by a material con tinuum), or statistical mechanics (one defines a distribution function for the positions and the states of motion of the components of the system).




Orbital Motion


Book Description




Theory of Orbits


Book Description

Half a century ago, S. Chandrasekhar wrote these words in the preface to his l celebrated and successful book: In this monograph an attempt has been made to present the theory of stellar dy namics as a branch of classical dynamics - a discipline in the same general category as celestial mechanics. [ ... J Indeed, several of the problems of modern stellar dy namical theory are so severely classical that it is difficult to believe that they are not already discussed, for example, in Jacobi's Vorlesungen. Since then, stellar dynamics has developed in several directions and at var ious levels, basically three viewpoints remaining from which to look at the problems encountered in the interpretation of the phenomenology. Roughly speaking, we can say that a stellar system (cluster, galaxy, etc.) can be con sidered from the point of view of celestial mechanics (the N-body problem with N » 1), fluid mechanics (the system is represented by a material con tinuum), or statistical mechanics (one defines a distribution function for the positions and the states of motion of the components of the system).




Theory of Orbit Determination


Book Description

Presents new algorithms for determining orbits; ideal for graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics, physics, astronomy and aerospace engineering.




Adventures in Celestial Mechanics


Book Description

A fascinating introduction to the basic principles of orbital mechanics It has been three hundred years since Isaac Newton first formulated laws to explain the orbits of the Moon and the planets of our solar system. In so doing he laid the groundwork for modern science's understanding of the workings of the cosmos and helped pave the way to the age of space exploration. Adventures in Celestial Mechanics offers students an enjoyable way to become acquainted with the basic principles involved in the motions of natural and human-made bodies in space. Packed with examples in which these principles are applied to everything from a falling stone to the Sun, from space probes to galaxies, this updated and revised Second Edition is an ideal introduction to celestial mechanics for students of astronomy, physics, and aerospace engineering. Other features that helped make the first edition of this book the text of choice in colleges and universities across North America include: * Lively historical accounts of important discoveries in celestial mechanics and the men and women who made them * Superb illustrations, photographs, charts, and tables * Helpful chapter-end examples and problem sets




Harmonies of the World


Book Description

Johannes Kepler published Harmonies of the World in 1619. This was the summation of his theories about celestial correspondences, and ties together the ratios of the planetary orbits, musical theory, and the Platonic solids. Kepler's speculations are long discredited. However, this work stands as a bridge between the Hermetic philosophy of the Renaissance, which sought systems of symbolic correspondences in the fabric of nature, and modern science. And today, we finally have heard the music of the spheres: data from outer system probes have been translated into acoustic form, and we can listen to strange clicks and moans from Jupiter's magnetosphere.




Orbital Relative Motion and Terminal Rendezvous


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of time-fixed terminal rendezvous around the Earth using chemical propulsion. The book has two main objectives. The first is to derive the mathematics of relative motion in near-circular orbit when subjected to perturbations emanating from the oblateness of the Earth, third-body gravity, and atmospheric drag. The mathematics are suitable for quick trajectory prediction and the creation of computer codes and efficient software to solve impulsive maneuvers and fly rendezvous missions. The second objective of this book is to show how the relative motion theory is applied to the exact precision-integrated, long-duration, time-fixed terminal rendezvous problem around the oblate Earth for the general elliptic orbit case. The contents are both theoretical and applied, with long-lasting value for aerospace engineers, trajectory designers, professors of orbital mechanics, and students at the graduate level and above.




An Introduction to Celestial Mechanics


Book Description

This accessible text on classical celestial mechanics, the principles governing the motions of bodies in the Solar System, provides a clear and concise treatment of virtually all of the major features of solar system dynamics. Building on advanced topics in classical mechanics such as rigid body rotation, Langrangian mechanics and orbital perturbation theory, this text has been written for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in astronomy, physics, mathematics and related fields. Specific topics covered include Keplerian orbits, the perihelion precession of the planets, tidal interactions between the Earth, Moon and Sun, the Roche radius, the stability of Lagrange points in the three-body problem and lunar motion. More than 100 exercises allow students to gauge their understanding and a solutions manual is available to instructors. Suitable for a first course in celestial mechanics, this text is the ideal bridge to higher level treatments.