What is an elliptical orbit?

elliptical orbit is the movement of one body around another in an oval path. It can be defined as the Kepler orbit, which has eccentricity in the range anywhere between 0 and 1. In the study of the celestial mechanics, the Kepler orbit deals with the laws and principles of orbits moving in the form of ellipses, hyperbola or parabols. In astrodynamics, eccentricity, sometimes called the first eccentricity, orbit a parameter that describes its actual shape and stretch.

According to standard assumptions and principles of astrodynamics, orbits must have the shape of a conical cut. Conic eccentricity is then a numeric value. This number means a specific projection angle defining the flatness or roundness of the elliptical orbit.

eccentricity for elliptical orbit can also be defined as a measure of orbit deviations from the shape of a standard circle. Orbital eccentricity for the perfect circular orbit is 0. This value serves as a scale for assessment of divergence any given elliptical orbit from standarda circle.

The Earth's solar system consists of numerous natural satellites such as planets, months, comets and similar revolving bodies. These bodies orbit around their relevant primars - such as the Earth orbiting the Sun - along a solid elliptical orbit. It seems that the general overview of their movement gives the impression of circular pathways. In fact, however, all celestial bodies are strictly monitored by elliptical orbit with different degrees of eccentric measures. The higher the eccentricity value, more flattering and prolonged elliptical orbit shape.

The eccentricity of the elliptical orbit of the country is currently measured as 0.0167. This low value makes the elliptical orbit of the Earth almost perfect circle. On the other hand, the eccentric values ​​for comets are almost 1, so their orbit is almost flat and extended. In the case of a gravitational problem with two bodies, the degree of eccentricity between 0 and 1 allows bothbodies to shoot the same orbit. Popular examples of elliptical orbit are Hohmann Transfer Orbit, Molniya Orbit and Tundra orbit.

The concept of elliptical orbits was first discovered and promoted by Johannes Kepler, a German scientist at the beginning of the 17th century. The findings were published in his first law of planetary movement and submitted important laws related to the orbital pathways of heavenly bodies. These findings helped scientists in understanding and studying the properties of the elliptical orbit.

specific orbital energy, also known as VIVA energy, is defined as the sum of the potential energy and kinetic energy of the orbiting object. For elliptical orbit, specific energy is negative and is calculated regardless of its eccentricity. The elliptical nature of the planetary orbit is an important function that determines the seasonal changes, temperature zones and climatic zones of the planets.