Chapter 13: Problem 38

Saturn's equator is tilted by \(27^{\circ}\) from the ecliptic, while Jupiter's equator is tilted by only \(3^{\circ}\). Use these data to explain why we see fewer transits, eclipses, and occultations of Saturn's satellites than of the Galilean satellites.

Short Answer

Expert verified

We see fewer transits, eclipses, and occultations of Saturn's satellites than the Galilean satellites because the larger tilt of Saturn's equator (\(27^{\circ}\)) compared to Jupiter's (\(3^{\circ}\)) causes Saturn's satellites to spend more time outside the plane of the ecliptic, reducing the frequency of these phenomena.

Step by step solution

Understand the Phenomena and the Angles

First, grasp the concept of transits, eclipses, and occultations. These phenomena occur when one celestial body passes in front of (or behind) another, blocking it and thus causing a noticeable visual event. This occurs frequently, relative to our observational perspective, when the bodies involved orbit or rotate in a plane that aligns with our line of sight. The angles mentioned - \(27^{\circ}\) and \(3^{\circ}\) are tilts of Saturn's and Jupiter's equators respectively. This tilt is the angle between the planet's equatorial plane and the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun on the celestial sphere.

Relate Tilt to Visibility of Phenomena

Next, understand the relationship between the tilt of a planet and the visibility of transits, eclipses, and occultations of its satellites. More often these phenomena occur when the planet's equator is closely aligned to the ecliptic. The lesser the angle of tilt, the more aligned the orbit of the satellites (assumed to be near the planet's equatorial plane) with the ecliptic, increasing the chances of these phenomena.

Compare Saturn and Jupiter

Finally, compare the tilts of Saturn and Jupiter. Jupiter has a smaller tilt (\(3^{\circ}\)), meaning its satellites orbit more nearly in the plane of the ecliptic when seen from Earth. In contrast, Saturn has a larger tilt (\(27^{\circ}\)), which means the orbits of its satellites appear more inclined from our perspective. Thus, the moon of Saturn will spend much of their time either above or below the plane of the ecliptic, which is not ideal for transits, eclipses or occultations to occur.

Conclude

Sum up the insights. Due to its smaller tilt, we observe more of the transits, eclipses, and occultations of Jupiter's satellites (the Galilean satellites) from our Earth perspective than Saturn's satellites.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Saturn's equator is tilted by \(27^{\circ}\) from the ecliptic, while Jupiter's equator is tilted by only \(3^{\circ}\). Use these data to explain why we see fewer transits, eclipses, and occultations of Saturn's satellites than of the Galilean satellites.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Phenomena and the Angles

Relate Tilt to Visibility of Phenomena

Compare Saturn and Jupiter

Conclude

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Work Energy and Power

Oscillations

Fields in Physics

Famous Physicists

Kinematics Physics

Measurements

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.