Interactive Investigation of the Shapes of Planetary Orbits

INTRODUCTION

The planetary orbit simulator linked to below uses JavaScript and HTML to generate a graph of a planetary orbit given its semi-major axis and eccentricity. For more information use the associated exercise and check out the resources listed below.

Note Before Accessing the Simulation Below

1. Your browser must be capable of interpreting JavaScript and using cookies.
2. Depending upon the processor speed of your computer, the orbit may take awhile to be displayed completely.

INTERACTIVE PLANETARY ORBITS

• Planetary Orbit Simulation
• Kepler's Law Calculator
• Planetary Orbit Exercise

RESOURCES

Books and Articles

• Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan. Astronomy Today, 3rd ed. Prentice-Hall, (1999).

Web Sites

• "Gravitation and Mechanics I" (NASA) [http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/bsf3-1.htm]
• "What is Orbit?" (NASA) Select the appropriate grade level for more activities. [http://www.nasaexplores.com/show2_articlea.php?id=01-079]
• "Solar System Dynamics" (JPL) [http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/]

COMMENTS?
Have any affirmations, questions, problems or suggestions? Contact:

Dr. Richard L. Bowman
Dept. of Physics
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA 22812

phone: 540-828-5441

email: RBowman@bridgewater.edu

Created and maintained by: Richard L. Bowman (1997-2004; last updated: 15-Feb-04)