[Phys-L] Roche limit

[Anthony Lapinski <alapinski@pds.org>]

I'm discussing the solar system, planetary rings, Comet Shoemaker-Levy, and
the Roche limit in my astronomy class. When a natural satellite moves less
than 2.4 X a planet's radius, tidal forces from the planet destroy it. Does
anyone know of a good explanation/reference that derives this number? I
imagine it is a bit complicated for a high school class.

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