Do they planets orbit on one single plain around the sun.
2007-10-28 13:29:56 · 7 answers · asked by neil_gormley 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Generally, the planets all orbit within a narrow range of the plane of the sun's equator, ranging between inclinations to the ecliptic of anywhere from almost zero (Earth) to 7.0085 (Mercury).
So think of the solar system as a huge pizza, with the sun a bit olive stuck into the middle.
The orbits of all the planets (not including Pluto, which is no longer a planet anyway) would all fit into the pizza box.
2007-10-28 13:38:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the planets orbit within a few degrees of the same plane. Some of the smaller objects (asteroids, plutinos, etc.) have more inclined orbits due to perturbations from the larger objects. Out in the Oort cloud, where long-period comets come from, the distribution appears to be spherical.
2007-10-28 20:42:18 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the solar system is orbiting on the plane or slightly off the plane of the sun's equator. If the earth was exactly on this plane, we would have more frequent eclipses of the sun. One reason Pluto "got the boot" was its eccentric orbit which was off the plane, and at its closest approach to the sun, would be closer than Neptune.
2007-10-28 20:40:21 · answer #3 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is more like a 2d plane.
Imagine a sheet pulled tight with a bowling ball in the middle, the bowling ball is the sun. The sun bends that plane with its mass and although they are not exactly on the same plane but only slightly off.
Mars ISNT above the sun orbiting in a path that perpendicular to Earths.
It was hard to explain but I hoped it help a little.
2007-10-28 20:38:07 · answer #4 · answered by Princess Pig 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but not precisely, a little bit offset in some cases. And it's not all that similar to an atom, where multiple electrons orbit the nucleus on the same shell.
2007-10-28 20:43:33 · answer #5 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
each planet orbits the sun in its own plane, but there is not one plane in which all of the planets orbit.
the behavior of an electron orbiting an atom is not known, but it can be described in terms of probable position. The orbit of planets is better understood.
2007-10-28 20:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say the planets revolutions are 2D, but the sun is being pulled up and down by all the planets in a 3D fashion.
2007-10-28 20:40:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋