Celestial Mechanics
PHYS 501 · Module 1
This module applies Newtonian gravity to planets, moons, spacecraft, and extended bodies. Students derive Kepler's laws, study orbital energy, learn transfer maneuvers, and examine tidal forces and the Roche limit.
Lessons in this module
Kepler's laws derived from Newton
Kepler's empirical laws become consequences of Newton's laws and inverse-square gravity. This lesson connects ellipses, equal areas, and orbital periods to gravitational dynamics.
Gravitational potential energy and escape velocity
Orbital motion can be understood through gravitational energy. This lesson derives gravitational potential energy, total orbital energy, circular speed, and escape velocity.
Orbital transfers and maneuvers
Spacecraft change orbits by changing velocity. This lesson introduces impulsive maneuvers, Hohmann transfers, delta-v, orbital energy, and gravity assists.
Tidal forces and the Roche limit
Tidal forces arise because gravity varies across extended bodies. This lesson explains tidal stretching, ocean tides, tidal locking, orbital heating, and the Roche limit.
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