Problem Set
Gravity Grab: A 'Pi in the Sky' Math Challenge
Overview
The "Pi in the Sky" math challenge gives students a chance to take part in recent discoveries and upcoming celestial events, all while using math and pi just like NASA scientists and engineers. In this problem from the set, students use the mathematical constant pi to calculate by how much a spacecraft needs to slow down to get into orbit around Jupiter.
Materials
Background
- Determine how much water is in Jupiter's atmosphere to help us understand how the planet formed.
- Look deep into Jupiter's atmosphere to measure composition, temperature, cloud motions and other properties.
- Map Jupiter's magnetic and gravity fields, revealing the planet's deep structure.
- Explore and study Jupiter's magnetosphere near the planet's poles, especially the auroras (Jupiter's northern and southern lights), to provide new insights about how the planet's enormous magnetic force field affects its atmosphere.
Procedures
The Juno spacecraft is hurtling toward Jupiter. At closest approach, it will reach a velocity of 57.98 km per second relative to the planet. To get into orbit around Jupiter, Juno will have to brake at just the right time to be pulled in by Jupiter’s gravity or miss its target completely. By how much does Juno need to change its velocity relative to Jupiter to get into a 53.5-day orbit around the planet?
Use these equations to approximate a solution assuming Juno could instantaneously decelerate at perijove:
T = 2π√(
)E =
T = orbital period (in seconds)
E = total orbital energy
a = semi-major axis of the orbit (in km)
µ = gravitational parameter for Jupiter (126,686,536 km3/sec2)
v = velocity of Juno relative to Jupiter after deceleration
r = radius of Juno at perijove (76,006 km)
Assessment
Extensions
Pi Day Challenges- Pi in the Sky
- Pi in the Sky 2
- Pi in the Sky 3
- Pi in the Sky 4
- Pi in the Sky Challenge (slideshow for students)
Multimedia
Features
Websites