Class 11 Physics simulations · Gravitation

Kepler’s elliptical orbit

Follow a planet around an elliptical orbit with the star at one focus.

Open the simulation

What to notice

The planet moves fastest near the star and slowest at its most distant point.

Key relation

T² ∝ a³; equal areas in equal times

Try this

Compare a circular orbit with a highly eccentric orbit.

What you can change

• Semi-major axis: 1 to 3 AU
• Eccentricity: 0 to 0.7

More in Gravitation

• Falling through a tunnel in the Earth
• Escape from a planet
• Geostationary orbit
• Satellite orbit
• Gravity above and below Earth
• Energy of a circular orbit

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