: How gravitation force for planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune etc. is calculated? Is it accurate or rough estimate?
In: Physics
Since at least one satellite orbits or has orbited most planets, we can calculate the gravitational pull of a planet from the speed of the satellite in orbit and the distance of the satellite from the planet.
Or, we can measure the affect of the planet on satellites as they approach and leave the vicinity of a planet. We know the speed of the satellite, the mass of the satellite, and the trajectory. So, the amount the satellite deflects from its original trajectory allows the calculation of the planet’s mass.
Alternatively, since most planets have moons, the centripetal force of a moon has to equal the gravitational force of the planet. We know how long it takes a moon to orbit a planet and the distance of the moon from the planet.
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