What deductions can scientists make by precisely tracking the gravitational wobble of a moon?
Answer
The mass of the object and inferring the internal mass distribution within it.
Gravity functions as a powerful, indirect probe in planetary science. By meticulously tracking the minute variations in a planet or moon's orbit—the slight wobble or change in orbital speed—scientists can quantitatively calculate the mass of that celestial body. Furthermore, this technique allows for inference regarding how that mass is distributed internally. This is especially useful for moons suspected of harboring subsurface oceans, as the gravitational influence exerted by the parent planet creates tidal forces resulting in detectable gravitational tugs that reveal clues about the interior structure.
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