HYPERBOLIC ORBIT Meaning and
Definition
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A hyperbolic orbit is a term used in celestial mechanics to describe the trajectory of an object, typically a spacecraft or a celestial body, that follows a hyperbola around a gravitational body. In a hyperbolic orbit, the object moves under the influence of the gravitational pull, but its velocity is such that it is greater than the escape velocity of the gravitational body.
The defining characteristic of a hyperbolic orbit is that the object's path never closes on itself, unlike elliptical or circular orbits. Instead, it follows a hyperbola, a curve with two separate branches that extend infinitely outward. One branch extends toward infinity, while the other approaches toward the gravitational body.
During a hyperbolic orbit, the object's trajectory approaches the gravitational body momentarily but does not remain in its gravitational field. As a result, the object will eventually move away from the gravitational body indefinitely, with its velocity decreasing over time due to the gravitational influence.
Hyperbolic orbits commonly occur during spacecraft missions that involve a gravity assist, where the spacecraft utilizes the gravitational pull of a planet or moon to increase its speed and change its trajectory. Additionally, certain comets and asteroids can also follow hyperbolic orbits when they approach a planetary system from interstellar space.
In summary, a hyperbolic orbit is a path taken by an object that is propelled by a velocity greater than the escape velocity of a gravitational body. It consists of two branches of a hyperbola and allows the object to move away from the gravitational body indefinitely.
Common Misspellings for HYPERBOLIC ORBIT
- gyperbolic orbit
- byperbolic orbit
- nyperbolic orbit
- jyperbolic orbit
- uyperbolic orbit
- yyperbolic orbit
- htperbolic orbit
- hgperbolic orbit
- hhperbolic orbit
- huperbolic orbit
- h7perbolic orbit
- h6perbolic orbit
- hyoerbolic orbit
- hylerbolic orbit
- hy0erbolic orbit
- hypwrbolic orbit
- hypsrbolic orbit
- hypdrbolic orbit
- hyprrbolic orbit
- hyp4rbolic orbit
Etymology of HYPERBOLIC ORBIT
The word "hyperbolic orbit" can be broken down into its components: "hyperbolic" and "orbit".
The term "hyperbolic" comes from the Greek word "hyperbolḗ", which means "excessive" or "exaggerated". In mathematics, a hyperbola refers to a curve that opens indefinitely, symbolizing an infinite distance away from a central point.
The word "orbit" originates from the Latin verb "orbitare", which means "to go around" or "to circle". It also stems from the noun "orbis", which translates to "circle" or "disk".
When combined, "hyperbolic orbit" refers to a trajectory or path followed by an object in space that is influenced by a gravitational force but has enough energy to escape from the gravitational field of another object.
