Molecular orbital theory explains chemical bonding in terms of electrons distributed around a molecule. Atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, which can be bonding or antibonding. Bonding order is calculated to determine the nature of the bond. MO theory better explains molecules with bond orders between single and double bonds and magnetic properties, but […]
An elliptical orbit is a Kepler orbit with an eccentricity between 0 and 1, where celestial bodies move in an oval-shaped path. The eccentricity measures the deviation of an orbit from a perfect circle, with higher values indicating a flatter and more elongated orbit. Earth’s orbit has a low eccentricity, making it nearly circular, while […]
A geostationary orbit matches the Earth’s rotation and latitude, allowing satellites to appear stationary in the sky. Geosynchronous orbits are inclined to the equator and cause satellites to move up and down in latitude. Arthur C. Clarke is credited with developing the concept. Geostationary objects must be 22,236 miles from Earth’s surface. There is only […]
The ISS orbits the Earth 16 times a day, taking 90 minutes per orbit. It has traveled over 1.75 billion miles and takes two days to reach from Earth. Crews have occupied it since 2000. The International Space Station (ISS) takes about 90 minutes to orbit the Earth, which means it makes the trip around […]
The eight planets in the solar system orbit the sun in elliptical paths due to gravitational interactions. Kepler’s laws of planetary motion quantify orbital motion and explain that the planets move in a plane with the sun in a focus. Newton’s studies concluded that gravity plays an important role in the orbits, while Einstein’s theory […]
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is between 124-1240 miles above Earth, while Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) is from 1243 miles to geostationary orbit (GSO) at 22,236 miles. Satellites in GSO orbit once a day and are synchronized with Earth’s rotation. Proposed space hotels are in LEO, while solar-powered satellites are in GSO for continuous sunlight. Low […]
Elliptical orbits are oval-shaped paths of celestial bodies caused by varying attraction forces. There are four types of orbits, including elliptical, which is disrupted from a circular orbit. Johannes Kepler discovered the planets have elliptical orbits, enabling accurate predictions. The Earth’s orbit is nearly circular with small variations over time, affected by precession and tilt. […]
Pluto’s orbit ranges from 4.4 to 7.4 billion kilometers from the sun, taking 248 Earth years to complete. It was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. Pluto orbits the sun at a distance ranging from 4.4 to 7.4 billion kilometers (2.7 to 4.6 billion miles). By comparison, the Earth orbits only 150 million kilometers […]
Orbit determination predicts how objects in space orbit each other using methods such as initial orbit determination, least squares, and sequential processing. Applications range from GPS to predicting collisions with Earth. The least squares method is most commonly used and takes into account errors formed due to unknown forces and interactions during an orbit. The […]
Satellites can follow a polar orbit, passing through both poles of a planet or star. This is useful for mapping and reconnaissance, but not ideal for weather satellites. Sun synchronous orbit allows observation at constant solar time and is often combined with a polar orbit. A satellite follows a polar orbit when it travels around […]
Circular orbits are rare and require perfect circumstances. Celestial bodies tend to orbit in an ellipse, with eccentricity describing the shape. Earth has the closest to a circular orbit in our solar system. The eccentricity of an orbit can have implications, such as the temperature swings between seasons. A circular orbit is a type of […]
A geosynchronous orbit is a path around a planet or moon with a period identical to its rotation. Satellites in this orbit maintain a ground track of a single point on Earth’s surface. Telecommunications satellites maintain a Clarke orbit at an altitude of 22,236 miles. Satellites drift out of this orbit due to various factors, […]
Scientists found the first planet-like object in 2002, but it’s unknown how they came into being. Theories suggest they were kicked out of orbit or created by collapsing dust and gas. CFBDSIR2149 is one of the closest known free-floating planets. Jupiter rotates the fastest, Mercury’s craters may contain ice, and Uranus has 21-year seasonal cycles. […]
Mars and Earth have similar elliptical orbits and axial tilts, but Mars has a more eccentric orbit with a perihelion of 1.38 AU and aphelion of 1.66 AU. Mars’ year is 1.88 times longer than Earth’s, and its seasons are more extreme. The orbit of Mars was less eccentric in the past. Most people are […]
