What is the invariable plane of a planetary system?
Q: What is the invariable plane of a planetary system?
A: The invariable plane of a planetary system is the plane passing through its barycenter.
Q: How is the invariable plane of the Solar System affected?
A: About 98% of the invariable plane of the Solar System is affected by the mass of the four gas giants.
Q: What is the invariable plane of the Solar System aligned with?
A: The invariable plane of the Solar System is within 0.5° of the orbital plane of Jupiter.
Q: How is the invariable plane of a planetary system calculated?
A: The invariable plane of a planetary system is calculated from the sum of angular momenta, and is perpendicular to the angular momentum vector of the planets.
Q: Is the invariable plane of a planetary system subject to change?
A: The invariable plane of a planetary system is almost invariable (unchanging) over the entire system.
Q: Is the invariable plane of a planetary system only based on plantery orbital planes?
A: The invariable plane of a planetary system is the weighted average of all planetary orbital and rotational planes.
Q: What is the significance of the invariable plane of a planetary system?
A: The invariable plane of a planetary system is an important plane to consider for understanding the overall dynamics and formation of the system.