Chapter 6, Problem 41PE

(a) The Sun orbits the Milky Way galaxy once each $2.60\times {10}^8$ y, with a roughly circular orbit averaging $3.00\times {10}^4$ light years in radius. (A light year is the distance traveled by light in 1 y.) Calculate the centripetal acceleration of the Sun in its galactic orbit. Does your result support the contention that a nearly inertial frame of reference can be located at the Sun?

(b) Calculate the average speed of the Sun in its galactic orbit. Does the answer surprise you?