Intergalactic Planatary

Throughout this project, I constructed 5 different models of the solar system using perspective, scale, and data. In Model 1, I constructed a simple diagram of the solar system based on our current understanding of the surrounding planets, stars, and other concepts in space. This was the least detailed model, as it did not require much effort and was not effective in its use of explaining the solar system. In Model 2, I constructed another simple diagram of the solar system; however, I included two more details to the model, the distances between various objects and the masses of those objects. This allowed the model to seen more informative and realistic when it came to the spacing and size comparisons between each individual object that was in my model. Moving on to Model 3, I expanded upon the details of the diagram by adding more specific aspects of the objects such as the gravitation force, orbital period/velocity, surface temperature, and event the number of moons. This would translate into Model 4, which involved me making a slide presentation that focused on a specific phenomenon that occurred in the solar system. This prediction of a phenomenon would be reliant on other data from the source that could be used to predict what the outcome of that phenomenon is. For my presentation, I predicted the strength of a magnetic field of a planet and determined if it was a planetary magnetic field. I did this by looking at various data sources and comparisons, while also using equations and proportions to identify the strength of the magnetic field of a planet with given measurements and data. Lastly, in Model 5, I constructed four sections of diagrams that predicted various concepts and phenomenons that occur for planets. I then implemented these 4 phenomenons and predictions into three different planets, Earth, Planet X, and Planet Y, which were all given specific measurements and data to conclude on my predicts and values.

Content

Gravitational Force - The force of gravity between masses was very important when considering the concepts and phenomenons of our models. While I didn't consider the use of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, I did consider the individual connections of gravity by looking at the mass of the objects, distances between them and the Sun, as well as the diameter and radius of the planet itself. 

Planetary Magnetic Fields - Every large spacial object will have some form of a magnetic field; however, the strength of that magnetic field determines whether or not it is planetary magnetic field. When considering the strength of a magnetic field, the planet needs to have convection current occurring in a liquid core, which produces the magnetic field. These convection currents are dependent on a number of things:

• Rotational Velocity/Period - The speed at which the planet rotates along its axis. High planetary rotational velocity is needed for motion. The motion of the planet creates the convection currents within the planet's core, allowing it to produce an electromagnetic field.

• Surface Temperature - For a planet to hold a liquid core, it most have a warm enough surface to keep its core a consistent liquid concentration. For this to happen, I looked at the distance from the Sun, which determines how much contact radiation the planet is receiving. Additionally, I looked at the surface pressure of the planet to determine the materials and elements within the atmosphere and see if it is a heated planet through those causes. If the planet is close to the Sun and/or has a very high surface pressure, the planet is likely to hold a liquid core.

Proportion-Based Equations - While we don't have a direct equation for the force of a planet's magnetic field, I was able to approximate it using the general equation of a magnetic field and dividing it by the planet's tilt. Using proportions, I was able to approximate the strength of the magnetic field of a specific planet based on the scaled approximation of Earth's magnetic field's strength in nanotesla.

Reflection

Throughout this project, I developed many skills related to my critical thinking, data analysis, and mathematics. I took the step to challenge myself in this project by predicting a phenomenon that was much more complex and detailed when compared to other possible phenomenons. Additionally, much of this was purely theoretical, allowing me to incorporate my creativity and thinking skills to determine the most reasonable prediction in a physics perspective.

At first, I felt excited to determine something that is arguably not done and produce my own prediction based on the data that is given, while avoiding known predictions. This allowed me to us my physics, mathematics, and general knowledge to determine the phenomenon. Using high-difficulty equations and physics concepts, I was able to create a solid prediction and end with scale values that support my prediction.

In the end, I was very satisfied with my findings, and I am very confident that I can use this claim and prediction to determine whether or not a certain planet has a planetary electromagnetic field and its strength in nanotesla when given the needed information. I believe that this prediction can also be used in high levels of astrophysics will a bit a polishing, and I enjoyed this project for its outcome and process that I put into it.