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. So do not abort the calculation too early.

INTERACTIVE PLANETARY ORBITS

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

RESOURCES

Books

Any good college introductory astronomy textbook will be helpful. Below are two such examples.

• John D Fix. Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, 6th ed. McGraw Hill (2011)
• Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan. Astronomy Today, 7th ed. Benjamin Cummings (2011).

Web Sites

• "Basics of Space Flight" (NASA) [http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/index.php]: look at Chapter 3 and Chapter 5, in particular.
• "What is Orbit?" (NASA) [http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/what-is-orbit-58.html]: those students and teachers in grade 5 through 8 will find useful info here.
• "Solar System Dynamics" (JPL) [http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/]: explore the many different entries here.

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

Richard L. Bowman, PhD
937 College Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
USA

richard.bowman@edtechbybowman.net

(540) 434-0892

Phys-Astro Sims

Created and maintained by: Richard L. Bowman (1997-2011; last updated: 5-Sep-11)