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The issue is, if they are not at the same speed, the planets, then relativity issues become apparent. Would it be wrong to suggest that?
Would you consider all the planets travel within a similar speed?
Does anyone have an explanation as to why mass could change its velocity as a planet as it circles the sun?
More mass would mean a stronger total gravitational force, which in turn would require a higher orbital velocity in order to keep that planet from falling into the Sun.
That is almost false.
Quote from: opportunityDoes anyone have an explanation as to why mass could change its velocity as a planet as it circles the sun?Yes: Conservation of energy.Planets (and comets) follow an elliptical path around the Sun.- When they are farthest from the Sun (aphelion), they have a high gravitational potential energy, but reduced kinetic energy = reduced speed.- When they are closest to the Sun (perihelion), they have a lower gravitational potential energy, but increased kinetic energy = higher speed.- The total gravitational+kinetic energy remains constant during the orbit (ignoring tiny deviations like the impact of meteorites, solar wind and gravitational waves).