The Period from Mass and Separation calculator uses Kepler's 3rd law to compute the orbital period (T) of a system based on the distance (R) between astronomical bodies (e.g. a star and exoplanet) and the mass of the system (M).
INSTRUCTIONS: Chose units and enter the following:
- (M) Mass of System
- (R) Separation between Objects
Orbital Period (T): The calculator returns the period in Earth days. However, this can be automatically converted to other time/duration units (e.g. seconds, years) via the pull-down menu.
The Math / Science
In a binary system the separation between the objects in the system depends on the mass of the system and the period of the orbit (Kepler's Third Law). This equation computes the separation given the other two values. Kepler's formula for orbital period is:
`T = sqrt( (4π^2 • R^3)/(M•G) )`
where:
Related Astro Calculators:
- Kepler's 3rd Law Calc has Kepler's 3rd law solved for each parameter.
- Astronomy Calculator contains basic formulas for a college level Introduction to Astronomy
- Exoplanet Calculator contains formulas for studying planets outside of our Solar System.
- Astronomical Distance Calculator provides the distance from the Earth to numerous astronomical bodies (e.g. Sun, Moon, planets, stars, Milky Way's Center and Edge, Andromeda Galaxy)
- Astronomical Distance Travel Time Calculator computes the time to travel to distant parts of space at different velocities.
- Ellipse Calculator
- 3D Vector Calculator:
- Drake Equation Calculator
- Seager Equation Calculator
- Friedman Equation Calculator
- Exoplanet Calculator contains formulas for studying planets outside of our Solar System.
- Astronomical Distance Calculator provides the distance from the Earth to numerous astronomical bodies (e.g. Sun, Moon, planets, stars, Milky Way's Center and Edge, Andromeda Galaxy)
- Astronomical Distance Travel Time Calculator computes the time to travel to distant parts of space at different velocities.
- Radius of Perigee
- Radius of Apogee