Let say an object (orbiting the sun) not only would be affected by gravity, but also by a (weak) force accelerating the object between aphelion to perihelion.

This would increase the orbit radius, but it will so far I understand also affected the perihelion precession

 

How can the perihelion precession impact be calculated?

It could decrease the radius, too, depending on the direction of the acceleration.

It could decrease the radius, too, depending on the direction of the acceleration.

The force is increasing the orbit speed, and is effecting the orbiting object as pull , from lets say a direction always straight ahead of the object

Edited March 19, 20169 yr by Bjarne

Is the force accelerating the object between aphelion to perihelion one time only, or once each orbit for roughly half the orbit?

 

 

The force is increasing the orbit speed, and is effecting the orbiting object as pull , from lets say a direction always straight ahead of the object

 

So same as a thrust at all times in the current direction of the velocity...constant magnitude but varying direction.

 

I don't know if there is an elegant solution, but a computer program that predicts orbits could have the extra terms plugged in for the force and direction and should be able to predict the new track.

 

If the force is weak relative to that of gravity, the effect will be to decrease the orbit speed over time due to the change in path.

Edited March 21, 20169 yr by J.C.MacSwell

 

So same as a thrust at all times in the current direction of the velocity...constant magnitude but varying direction.

 

I don't know if there is an elegant solution, but a computer program that predicts orbits could have the extra terms plugged in for the force and direction and should be able to predict the new track.

 

If the force is weak relative to that of gravity, the effect will be to decrease the orbit speed over time due to the change in path.

 

Yes I ageee, can you suggest such a program ?

 

Is the force accelerating the object between aphelion to perihelion one time only, or once each orbit for roughly half the orbit?

 

 

The force is variable, and also applies opposite from perihelion towards aphelion

Edited March 21, 20169 yr by Bjarne

 

Yes I ageee, can you suggest such a program ?

 

 

The force is variable, and also applies opposite from perihelion towards aphelion

Sorry, I really have no idea, other than start with a google search or check at a University. Someone on here might know.

It is rocket science...

If it accelerates the probe a bit between aphelion and perihelion, the essential effect is to raise the altitude at the opposite point, between what were perihelion and aphelion. So the aphelion comes sooner, and the major axis retrocedes.

 

This isn't done often at man-made craft because it's inefficent. Acting on the periapsis is most efficient when possible; then an action on the apoapsis may be necessary too.