Keplerian Orbits: Elliptical Paths In Celestial Mechanics
Planetary orbits, governed by Kepler’s Laws, are elliptical with the Sun at one focus. The semi-major axis defines the average Sun-planet distance, while eccentricity measures orbit flatness. Inclination determines the orbit’s angle relative to the Sun’s equatorial plane. The longitude of the ascending node and argument of perihelion establish the position and orientation of the orbit within its plane. These concepts underpin planetary motion and celestial mechanics.
