Kepler's equation 2026-09-25
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 316 4 vi Solution 2026-09-25
For each point , sample and the three conjunction branchesFor every branch, solve Kepler's equation for the eccentric anomaly, evaluate , and minimize the planet-planetesimal separation over and . Mark the point as encounter-capable when this minimum is below a chosen , naturally the Hill radius for strong scattering. Repeating this calculation on a grid traces the boundary in the -- plane.
Direct integrations of the circular restricted three-body problem can then refine the geometric map by allowing the resonant argument, eccentricity, and conjunction kicks to evolve self-consistently. The integrations distinguish merely orbit-crossing initial data from trajectories that actually enter the encounter region, and reveal chaotic layers near the boundary.