Tuesday, May 29, 2012

One-Minute Physics: Why planets can only orbit in 3D

Sandrine Ceurstemont, editor, New Scientist TV

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Ever wondered why the Earth doesn't get sucked towards the sun? Since the pull of gravity is stronger closer to the sun, it might seem like if a planet moves slightly nearer it could spiral to its doom.

In this One-Minute Physics episode, animator Henry Reich illustrates how planets are able to maintain stable orbits. He explains why a 3D environment is necessary and how changes in gravity in other dimensions would affect the behaviour of the solar system.

If you enjoyed this video, check out our previous One-Minute Physics videos to find out for example, why Einstein rotated time or how to measure superfast neutrinos.


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