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Mobile App Chapter 10: Problem 8
Occultations directly determine a planet's a. diameter. b. mass. c. density. d. orbital speed.
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. diameter.
Step by step solution
01
- Understand Occultations
Occultations occur when one celestial body passes in front of another, blocking its view. In the context of planets, this typically happens when a planet passes in front of a distant star from the observer's point of view.
02
- Identify What is Determined During an Occultation
During an occultation, the time it takes for a planet to cover a star and the duration of the event are measured. This information is used to derive certain physical characteristics of the planet.
03
- Connecting Occultation to Planet's Diameter
By measuring how long it takes for the planet to move across the star, and knowing the relative motion between the planet and the observer, it is possible to calculate the diameter of the planet. The duration of the occultation is directly related to the size of the planet.
04
- Eliminate Other Options
Mass, density, and orbital speed are not directly measurable through occultations. These parameters require different methods of measurement, such as gravitational effects and Doppler shifts.
05
- Conclusion
Therefore, the correct answer is the parameter that can be directly determined from an occultation event: the diameter of the planet.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Celestial Events
Celestial events are fascinating occurrences in the sky involving heavenly bodies like stars, planets, and moons. These events can include phenomena such as eclipses, transits, and occultations. Occultations, in particular, are unique astronomical events. They happen when one celestial body passes in front of another, temporarily hiding it from view. This temporary hiding provides astronomers valuable data, helping them study the physical properties of the objects involved. Understanding these events enhances our knowledge about the universe and its dynamics.
Planetary Diameter
Determining the diameter of a planet is essential in understanding its physical traits. During an occultation, astronomers can measure how long it takes for a planet to cover a star. This duration, combined with the knowledge of the planet's and observer's relative motions, allows them to calculate the planet's diameter. Knowing a planet's diameter helps scientists infer further details about its size, volume, and potential environments. Such information can be crucial for studies in planetary geology and atmospheric science, providing insights into the planet's formation and evolution.
Astronomical Measurements
Astronomical measurements are observations and calculations made to understand celestial objects' characteristics and motions. By using instruments like telescopes and spectrometers, astronomers can record various data points during celestial events such as occultations. They measure the duration, brightness, and positions of celestial bodies. These measurements are essential for deriving accurate details about aspects such as size, distance, and motion. Modern technology has significantly enhanced our ability to gather precise astronomical measurements, leading to more profound discoveries about our universe.
Observational Astronomy
Observational astronomy involves studying celestial phenomena by gathering data through direct observations. This branch of astronomy relies heavily on instruments like telescopes, cameras, and detectors to collect information about light and other radiations from celestial bodies. When observing events like occultations, astronomers meticulously record the timings and changes in starlight to analyze celestial objects' properties. Observational astronomy is crucial for validating theories, discovering new objects, and expanding our understanding of space. It bridges the gap between theoretical models and real-world data, making it a cornerstone of astronomical science.
