orbit

IPA

Dictionary definition of orbit

The path that an object in space, such as a planet, moon, or satellite, follows as it revolves around another object, such as a star or planet.
"The satellite entered its orbit around the Earth."

Detailed meaning of orbit

The path of an object in orbit is determined by the gravitational attraction between the two objects. The speed and distance of an object in orbit are determined by the mass of the object it is orbiting, as well as its distance from the center of mass. The most common type of orbit is a circular orbit, in which an object follows a path that is a perfect circle. However, orbits can also be elliptical, meaning that the path is an ellipse, or even more complex shapes. The study of orbits is known as orbital mechanics and it is an important field in physics and astronautics. Satellites in Earth's orbit, for example, play a crucial role in communication, navigation and weather forecasting.

In summary, orbit refers to the path an object in space follows as it revolves around another object, determined by the gravitational attraction between the two objects.

Example sentences containing orbit

1. Earth's orbit around the sun takes approximately 365 days.
2. The moon has a nearly circular orbit around Earth.
3. Satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit for communication.
4. The spacecraft entered Mars' orbit to begin its mission.
5. Jupiter has the largest orbit of any planet in our solar system.
6. The comet's orbit brought it close to Earth this year.

History and etymology of orbit

The noun 'orbit' has its etymological origins in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'orbita,' which meant 'a track or rut,' particularly the path or track made by a wheel. Over time, this term took on a more celestial connotation and was used to describe the path that celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, appeared to follow in the sky as they revolved around a fixed point. The etymology of 'orbit' thus elegantly captures the idea of a prescribed path or trajectory, specifically the one that objects in space follow as they orbit another celestial body. It emphasizes the notion of a continuous and predictable course that celestial objects seem to trace in their journey through the heavens.

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Further usage examples of orbit

1. Astronomers tracked the asteroid's orbit to ensure it posed no threat.
2. The International Space Station orbits Earth at high speed.
3. A satellite's orbit can decay over time due to atmospheric drag.
4. Pluto's orbit is highly elliptical, taking it far from the sun.
5. The probe will rendezvous with the comet in its elliptical orbit.
6. The telescope captured images of a distant galaxy in its orbit.
7. The spacecraft will perform a gravity assist to adjust its orbit.
8. The moon's orbit causes tides on Earth due to gravitational pull.
9. The satellite's orbit allows it to map the Earth's surface.
10. The planet Mercury has a highly eccentric orbit.
11. The rover is exploring Mars within its designated landing orbit.
12. Scientists study the orbits of exoplanets for signs of habitability.
13. The probe will enter a polar orbit around the gas giant.
14. The asteroid's irregular orbit makes it difficult to predict its path.
15. The planet orbits around the star in its solar system.
16. The space station orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 400 km.
17. The comet orbits around the sun in a highly elliptical path.
18. The moon orbits the Earth in about 27.3 days.
19. The spacecraft successfully entered the orbit of the planet.
20. The asteroid orbits the sun in a rocky belt between Mars and Jupiter.
21. The planet's orbit is highly inclined compared to the other planets in the solar system.
22. The international space station orbits the Earth about 16 times a day.
23. The telescope will be used to study the orbits of exoplanets.
24. The spacecraft will perform a flyby of the planet before entering into orbit.
25. The orbit of the satellite will be adjusted to improve communication coverage on the ground.