If the semi-major axis, a, is measured in AU and the orbital period, p, is measured in years, then Kepler's 3rd law allows us to calculate the mass of the object they are orbiting using the following equation: M = a3/p2 Furthermore, the mass that is calculated by this equation is given in solar masses (MSun) where, by definition, the Sun's mass is 1 MSun. Now, suppose I were to tell you that the mass of Jupiter is equal to 4.5e7 MSun. Does the stated mass of Jupiter make sense? it is to big or to small or makes sense

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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If the semi-major axis, a, is measured in AU and the orbital period, p, is measured in years, then Kepler's 3rd law allows us to calculate the mass of the object they are orbiting using the following equation: M = a3/p2

Furthermore, the mass that is calculated by this equation is given in solar masses (MSun) where, by definition, the Sun's mass is 1 MSun.

Now, suppose I were to tell you that the mass of Jupiter is equal to 4.5e7 MSun.

 

Does the stated mass of Jupiter make sense?

it is to big or to small or makes sense

 

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