Orbits. Orbital motion and types of orbits

Orbits are trajectories followed by objects in space as they move around another object due to the influence of gravity. In the context of the solar system, planets, asteroids and comets orbit the sun, while satellites orbit the planets. Understanding orbits is fundamental to astronomy and space exploration.

Orbits can be of different shapes, but the most common is the elliptical orbit. An elliptical orbit is an oval shape in which an object periodically approaches and departs from the central object. The point closest to that object is called perihelion (if it is the sun) or periapsis (if it is another object in space), and the point farthest away is called aphelion or apoapsis, respectively. The shape and orientation of the orbits can vary according to the velocity and direction of the object in space.

Orbits can also be influenced by the gravity of other nearby objects. This is known as gravitational perturbation and can make orbits more complex. For example, the Moon is influenced by both Earth’s gravity and the Sun’s gravity, resulting in a slightly elliptical orbit around the Earth.

In addition to natural orbits, humans have succeeded in placing satellites in orbit around the Earth, which are used for various applications, such as communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research.

Understanding orbits is crucial for space navigation and space mission planning. Scientists and space engineers use calculations and mathematical models to predict and control spacecraft orbits, ensuring that they stay on safe and efficient trajectories.

In summary, the online orbit simulations on this page are an excellent way to delve deeper into orbital motion and the most important types of orbits. Give them a try!