🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Oct13.053236.3937@aio.jsc.nasa.gov>, tes@nomad.uucp (Thomas E. Smith [LORAL]) writes:
>By moving relative to the sun, I think they mean speed towards, or away from
>the sun, not around the sun. So the Earth would only be slightly moving 
>relative to the sun because of its elliptical orbit. Either way, the space
>probe is still said to be moving a fraction of Earth's escape velocity.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!  Look, escape velocity is a function of both the mass of
the object from which you're trying to escape AND the distance you are from
the center of that object.  True, the MO is moving (relative to the earth) much
slower than escape velocity FROM THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH.  However, THE MO IS
NO LONGER SITTING ON THE GROUND (you might've heard that announced here).  It's
speed relative to the Earth is comfortable above escape velocity for an object
at its current distance from the Earth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL

Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.