An asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory across the solar system. Which of the following are possible? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)

Question

Responses

The asteroid continues out of the solar system.
The asteroid continues out of the solar system.

The asteroid enters a stable elliptical orbit around the sun.
The asteroid enters a stable elliptical orbit around the sun.

The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter.
The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter.

The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter.
The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter.

The asteroid spirals into the sun.
The asteroid spirals into the sun.

The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape.

Answer 1

The three correct answers regarding the possible outcomes for an asteroid approaching Jupiter are:

1. The asteroid continues out of the solar system.
2. The asteroid enters a stable elliptical orbit around the sun.
3. The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape.

These outcomes are consistent with the gravitational interactions that can occur when an asteroid passes close to a massive body like Jupiter.

The asteroid may gain enough energy to escape the solar system, it could settle into a stable orbit around the sun (which could be elliptical), or its trajectory could become more irregular or unusual due to the gravitational effects from the encounter.

The options involving falling into an irregular orbit around Jupiter or spiraling into the sun are less likely under typical conditions.