October 3, 2025Open Access

Use of Stellarium to Prove Kepler's Third Law

Key Points

Kepler's third law is validated through observations of jupiter's four galileo satellites.
Data collected included angular distances during multiple observations over a month-long period.
This research demonstrates the relationship between the distance of celestial bodies and their orbital periods.
Results highlight the clarity and effectiveness of using stellarium as a tool for astronomical education.

Abstract

This research aims to prove Kepler's third law with the application of stellarium. Stellarium provides information about planets, satellites and other celestial bodies. Observations were carried out from 5 – 31 May 2024. The data taken was angular distance in the Stellarium application. The objects observed were the four satellites of Jupiter which are often called the Galileo satellites. Jupiter's moon satellites include Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Data is taken 20 times for 1 revolution. With adjusted observation time. Kepler's third law is proven in the case that the average distance of a planet raised to the power of three is directly proportional to the square of the planet's period of revolution.

Use of Stellarium to Prove Kepler's Third Law

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