Astronomy
Astrophysics
Maths
Gravity
2006-09-27 06:37:56 · 5 answers · asked by pizza1512 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
gravity, A planets gravity keeps the moon in a elliptical orbit around the heavenly body
2006-09-27 06:39:59 · answer #1 · answered by tondris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All satellites have basically elliptical orbits, but some ellipses are more eccentric than others. The center of the Earth is at the focus of the ellipse, not the center of the ellipse, so if the orbit is highly eccentric the height of the satellite varies a lot around the orbit. The speed is much lower when the satellite is furthest from the Earth. This highest, slowest point can be located at any latitude. Therefore, satellites in elliptical orbits can get a long "hang time" at high latitudes. Synchronous satellites can't do this, because they are directly above the equator all the time. Elliptical orbits are often used for Russian satellites, because a lot of Russia is very far north and naturally they'd like their satellites to be above Russia as much as possible.
2006-09-27 08:07:12 · answer #2 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be a round orbit if liftoff is exactly over the equator
where the centrifugal force is the same all the way around the
Earth. However, when not over the equator the force of gravity
will out pull the centrifugal force drawing the satellite closer to
earth, and when the satellite crosses back over the equator,
the centrifugal force will be greater than gravity and the satellite will
draw away from earth. All of the above considering that the rocket
launch was achieved in the same direction as the earth‘s spin.
In short, if not over the equator all the way around, it is an
elliptical orbit. This is, maths, gravity, and a little astrophysics.
2006-09-27 07:12:19 · answer #3 · answered by Ricky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. A group of amateur radio (ham) folks built a satellite for ham operation called AO-40. It had a highly elliptical orbit so that it could be above the horizon for longer periods of time. If you search on it you'll get a good explanation of why.
2006-09-27 07:04:00 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are nearly all in elliptical orbits. International Space Station, SOHO, the moon, the earth.
2006-09-27 06:44:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋