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oscar_lai_hk
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What is eccentricity?
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Eccentricity refers to the degree of deviation from a perfect circle in the orbit of a celestial body, such as a planet or satellite. It is a measure of how elliptical an orbit is, with a value of 0 representing a perfect circle and a value of 1 representing a highly elongated ellipse.
Eccentricity is calculated using the formula e = c/a, where e is the eccentricity, c is the distance between the center and one of the foci of the ellipse, and a is the length of the semi-major axis. This formula is used to determine the shape of an orbit and the distance of a celestial body from its focus point.
Eccentricity in orbits is primarily caused by the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies. For example, the orbit of a planet may become more eccentric due to the gravitational influence of a nearby massive planet. Additionally, the shape and orientation of an orbit can also be influenced by the initial conditions of its formation.
The eccentricity of a planet's orbit plays a crucial role in determining its distance from the sun and the amount of solar radiation it receives. This, in turn, affects the planet's climate, surface temperature, and potential for life. Additionally, the eccentricity of a planet's orbit can also impact its orbital stability and long-term evolution.
Yes, eccentricity can change over time due to various factors such as gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies, tidal forces, and changes in the planet's internal structure. This can lead to significant changes in the orbit and potentially affect the habitability of a planet over time.