Formula for Next Possible Orbit [closed]
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Closed as unclear by ArtOfCode on Dec 31, 2025 at 13:11
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Noticed this relationship when answering a question somewhere else.
There is a formula to calculate how much space a planet gravitationally clears (will sweep up anything smaller with a circular orbit in this region)
- A is the primary (star) mass
- B is the planet mass
- r1 is the distance from A to a test point
- r2 is the distance from A to planet B
- vo1 = sqrt(GA/r1^2)
- vo2 = sqrt(GA/r2^2)
- v12 = vo1 - vo2 = sqrt(GA/r1^2) - sqrt(GA/r2^2)
- r12 = r2 - r1
- veB = sqrt(2GB / r12^2)
Captured : v12 < veB
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