Orbit

An orbit is the curved path of an object (such as a planet, moon, spacecraft, or electron) around a point in space due to the influence of a gravitational field. More broadly, it can refer to a path, pattern, or sphere of influence. The shape of an orbit is typically elliptical, though it can also be circular or hyperbolic depending on the object's velocity and gravitational environment. Understanding orbits is crucial for space exploration, navigation, and predicting celestial events.

Orbit meaning with examples

• The Earth travels in an orbit around the sun, completing one revolution annually. Astronauts maneuver their spacecraft to enter a stable orbit around the planet for observation. The satellite will orbit the planet, relaying weather data back to Earth.
• A communications satellite was launched to provide long-distance internet in a geostationary orbit, allowing continuous coverage of the Earth. The debris is causing risks for satellites in low Earth orbit, which can impact their lifespan.
• The new spaceship has the capability of altering its orbit to reach several celestial bodies. NASA plans to launch a probe into orbit around Mars to study its atmosphere. Scientists use complex calculations to predict the exact orbit of a comet, to plan for optimal observations.
• The asteroid has a highly eccentric orbit, causing it to come closer to the sun at its closest point. Space junk is a huge problem for objects in orbit, it causes collisions. The powerful telescope can track the orbit of distant galaxies.
• After a series of burns, the spacecraft reached a stable orbit, allowing it to conduct its experiments. Engineers adjusted the satellite's orbit to avoid a potential collision with another piece of space debris. Space is full of many different objects that all follow different orbits.