orbit

Introduction

CE5

Important points in a planet's orbit as seen from the earth

orbit, in astronomy, path in space described by a body revolving about a second body where the motion of the orbiting bodies is dominated by their mutual gravitational attraction. Within the solar system, planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets orbit the sun and satellites orbit the planets and other bodies.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Nonplanetary Orbits
Planetary Orbits

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Astronomy: General