Earth View

  • The portion of the screen labeled "EarthView" (below) shows two stars orbiting about their common "center of mass", as seen from the Earth.  One star travels along the red orbit, while the other star travels along the blue orbit.  Notice that the two stars appear to orbit around a fixed location between them.  This location is the center of mass of the system.   The view depends on how inclined the orbits are to your view, that is what the inclination of the orbital plane is.   The inclination can be changed by adjusting the bar next to the "i" below. You will be asked to change the inclination in the "Exploration" sections of the web assignment and note the difference between the "Priveledged View" and the "Earth View".

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