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- Dictionaryor·bit/ˈôrbət/
noun
- 1. the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon, especially a periodic elliptical revolution: "the Earth's orbit around the sun" Similar
- 2. a sphere of activity, interest, or application: "a radical filmmaker outside the Hollywood orbit" Similar
verb
- 1. (of a celestial object or spacecraft) move in orbit around (a star or planet): "Mercury orbits the Sun"
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Learn the meaning of orbit as a noun and a verb, with synonyms, examples, and word history. Find out how orbit relates to the eye socket, the path of a heavenly body, and the range of influence or activity.
Learn the meaning of orbit as a noun and a verb in physics, biology and astronomy. Find out how to use orbit in sentences and idioms, and see translations in different languages.
Jul 9, 2024 · Learn the definition, shapes, and types of orbits in space. Find out how gravity, momentum, and orbital period affect satellites and planets.
The path followed by a celestial body or artificial satellite as it revolves around another body due to the force of gravity. Orbits are nearly elliptical or circular in shape and are very closely approximated by Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
In celestial mechanics, an orbit (also known as orbital revolution) is the curved trajectory of an object such as the trajectory of a planet around a star, or of a natural satellite around a planet, or of an artificial satellite around an object or position in space such as a planet, moon, asteroid, or Lagrange point.
To orbit is to follow a circular or elliptical path around a central body. Usually a planet, moon or satellite is described as orbiting, but a child who has too much sugar can sometimes orbit around his parents in an annoying fashion.
Apr 4, 2024 · An orbit is a regular, repeating path that one object takes around another object or center of gravity. Learn about the different types of orbits, such as heliocentric, geocentric, and galactocentric, and see examples of orbiting objects, such as planets, moons, and satellites.