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To: Boplicity who wrote (66782)	2/14/2000 6:08:00 PM
From: RocketMan	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 152472

Well, we've got orbital mechanics down fairly precisely. Once objects are exoatmospheric, they pretty much follow Keplerian laws, and you only have to compensate for second and third order effects like solar wind, gravitational anomalies, and the like. Orbiting an asteroid is a bit more difficult because of its uneven mass distribution, so a precise orbit is hard to attain, and it will be interesting to see what the final orbit actually looks like. Asteroids are interesting, because we know very little about them, and they might contain secrets about the very beginnings of our solar system. The discovery of complex hydrocarbons on other planets and moons of the solar system could be significant to the possible existence of subterranean life on those bodies, on the origins of life on our own planet, and on questions such as the formation of petroleum. There is a controversial theory that says petroleum is a renewable resource, and it fits several observations both on earth and in outer space. Thomas Gold of Cornell is the chief proponent. See what info you get when you ask about your mouse? :-)