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oscar_lai_hk
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What is orbital period?
Orbital period refers to the time it takes for an object to complete one full orbit around another object in space. It is typically measured in Earth days, but can also be measured in other units of time such as hours, minutes, or years.
The orbital period of an object can be calculated using the following formula: T = 2π√(a^3/GM), where T is the orbital period, a is the semi-major axis of the orbit, G is the gravitational constant, and M is the mass of the larger object. This calculation is based on Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion.
Orbital period is important because it helps scientists understand the motion and behavior of objects in space. It can also provide valuable information about the size, mass, and distance of objects in the universe.
The orbital period of an object is directly related to its distance from the object it is orbiting and the mass of that object. Objects that are closer to the larger object will have a shorter orbital period, while objects that are further away will have a longer orbital period.
Yes, orbital period can change over time due to factors such as gravitational forces from other objects, irregularities in the orbit, or changes in the mass of the objects involved. However, these changes are usually very small and difficult to measure over a short period of time.