Cryptocurrency Q&A
What causes orbit?
What causes orbit?
KatanaBlade
Thu Oct 03 2024
|
6 answers
1305
Excuse me, but I'm curious about the topic of orbits. Could you please elaborate on what exactly causes an object to orbit another? I've heard about gravitational forces being involved, but I'm not entirely clear on the specifics. Could you walk me through the process in simple terms? Also, are there any other factors that can affect the orbit of an object? I'd really appreciate your insight on this matter.
6 answers
Daniele
Sat Oct 05 2024
Orbits, a fundamental concept in celestial mechanics, are the paths traced by celestial bodies in their perpetual motion through space. They arise from an intricate dance between two key forces.
Was this helpful?
262
47
benjamin_stokes_astronomer
Sat Oct 05 2024
The first force is the forward momentum of the orbiting body, be it a planet, moon, or asteroid. This motion imparts a directional vector, causing the body to traverse space in a particular direction.
Was this helpful?
146
33
Martino
Sat Oct 05 2024
The second force is the gravitational pull exerted by a more massive body, such as a star or a large planet. This force acts as a centripetal force, drawing the orbiting body towards the center of the more massive object.
Was this helpful?
245
20
DigitalLordGuard
Sat Oct 05 2024
The stability of an orbit relies on a delicate equilibrium between these two opposing forces. The forward motion of the orbiting body resists the gravitational pull, while the gravitational force acts as a centripetal force, keeping the body in its path.
Was this helpful?
217
98
WhisperWindLight
Fri Oct 04 2024
When this balance is achieved, the orbiting body continues to move in a stable, predictable path around the central body. Any disturbance to this balance can lead to changes in the orbit, such as a shift in the orbital plane or a change in the orbital period.
Was this helpful?
293
68
Load 5 more related questions
