Question

The orbital parameters of the long-period comet Hale-Bopp after its last pass through the solar system include Q = 358 AU and q = 0.914 AU. Calculate the corresponding values of p and e of its new orbit.

Answer 1

a = (q + Q)/2 = (0.914 + 358)/2 = 179.457AU

p² = a³ = (179.457)³ = 5.7793 x 10⁶

p = (5.7793 x 10⁶)^1/2 = 2.404 x 10³y

e = f/a, f = a - q = 179.457 - 0.914 = 178.543AU

e = 178.543/179.457 = 0.995

p = 2.404 x 10³y

e = 0.995