Orbital Mechanics Collection

Solar system planets. Artwork showing the Sun (left) and the eight planets of the solar system and their orbits. From left to right they are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn

Orbit of Sputnik 1, Soviet 1957 diagram
Orbit of Sputnik 1. Diagram showing the Earth orbits possible for different spacecrafts. Sputnik 1, the first spacecraft ever to reach Earth orbit, was launched on 4 October 1957 by the Soviet Union

Johannes Kepler, German astronomer C017 / 7113
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), German astronomer, holding a divider used to plot distances. Kepler devised three fundamental laws of planetary motion

Phases of the Moon, 1708
Phases of the Moon. This is plate 19 from the 1708 edition of the star atlas Harmonica Macrocosmica by the Dutch-German mathematician and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius (1596-1665)

Earth-Venus conjunction, 19th century
Earth-Venus conjunction, 19th-century artwork. Venus (centre) is the second planet from the Sun (right). This is an inferior conjunction

Suns gravity well, artwork
Suns gravity well. Computer artwork of the Sun (orange) and Earth (blue), showing the Suns gravity well as a distorted grid. A gravity well is the gravitational potential field around a massive body

Epicycles of Moons orbit, 1708
Epicycles of Moons orbit. This is plate 18 from the 1708 edition of the star atlas Harmonica Macrocosmica by the Dutch-German mathematician and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius (1596-1665)

HR 8799 planetary system, artwork C015 / 0794
HR 8799 planetary system. Diagram of the orbits (green) of three of the planets of the HR 8799 star. Discovered in 2008, these were the first extrasolar planets directly observed

The Earths seasons. This diagram shows the axial tilt of the Earth causing the seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun (centre)

Solar eclipse geometry, artwork. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes across the Sun as seen from the Earth. The Moons shadow consists of a dark central umbra surrounded by the lighter penumbra

Johannes Kepler monument, Austria. Bust of the German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), besides a monument illustrating Keplers three laws of planetary motion

Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe
Johannes Kepler (left, 1571-1630), German astronomer, and Tycho Brahe (right, 1546-1601), Danish astronomer, discussing planetary observations

Geostationary orbit diagram

Earths gravity well, artwork
Earths gravity well. Computer artwork of the Earth, showing its gravity well as a distorted grid below. A gravity well is the gravitational potential field around a massive body

Polar orbit diagram

Satellite launch sequence diagram. This sequence shows a telecommunications satellite being launched from the equator into geostationary orbit (yellow circle)

Gagarins orbit in Vostok 1, 1961
Gagarins orbit in Vostok 1. Orbital flightpath (red, on a map of the Earth) of the Vostok 1 spacecraft (upper left, call sign KEDR) that carried Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968)

Total lunar eclipse, artwork
Total lunar eclipse, computer artwork. A lunar eclipse occurs as the Moon (far right) passes into the shadow of the Earth (centre), meaning that the light from the Sun (left) cannot reach it

Phases of Venus, 19th-century diagram

Solar eclipse geometry, artwork
Solar eclipse geometry, computer artwork. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes across the Sun as seen from the Earth

Johannes Kepler monument, Germany
Monument to the German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler (1571-1630). Kepler lived and worked as a mathematics teacher in Graz, Austria between 1594 and 1600

Johannes Kepler, German astronomer
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), German astronomer and mathematician. Kepler lived and worked as a mathematics teacher in Graz, Austria between 1594 and 1600

Keplers cosmological model. Composite image of a model of Keplers Platonic solids, with Latin text and the title of the work in which this model was described

Cometary perihelion, 19th century artwork. Artwork from the 1886 ninth edition of Moses and Geology (Samuel Kinns, London). This book was originally published in 1882

Meteor shower orbit, 19th century artwork. Artwork from the 1886 ninth edition of Moses and Geology (Samuel Kinns, London). This book was originally published in 1882

Variation in apparent lunar diameter. These two images show the variation in the apparent diameter of the full Moon, depending on whether it occurs at perigee (closest to the Earth, left)

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"Unlocking the Secrets of Orbital Mechanics: A Journey through Space and Time" Embark on a celestial adventure as we delve into the fascinating realm of orbital mechanics. From the majestic Solar system planets to groundbreaking discoveries by renowned astronomers like Johannes Kepler, this captivating field unveils the intricate dance of celestial bodies. Step back in time to 1957 when Sputnik 1, with its pioneering orbit diagram, marked humanity's first foray into space exploration. Marvel at Kepler's revolutionary contributions that revolutionized our understanding of planetary motion, forever changing how we perceive the cosmos. Travel further back to 1708 and witness the mesmerizing phases of the Moon meticulously documented by astute observers. Explore Earth-Venus conjunctions from centuries past, where these two enchanting worlds aligned in perfect harmony against a backdrop of infinite possibilities. Immerse yourself in stunning artwork depicting the Sun's gravity well—a visual representation that showcases its immense influence on objects within its reach. Delve deeper into this concept as you explore epicycles intricately woven within moons' orbits—an elegant solution proposed centuries ago. Venture beyond our own Solar system and encounter HR 8799 planetary system through breathtaking illustrations—unleashing your imagination upon distant worlds yet to be explored. Understand how Earth's seasons are intricately linked to orbital mechanics—the delicate interplay between our planet and its closest star shaping life itself. Uncover solar eclipse geometry—a phenomenon that captivates both scientists and dreamers alike—as it unravels mysteries hidden within cosmic alignments. Rediscover Johannes Kepler's brilliance as his work continues to inspire generations with profound insights into celestial movements. Orbital mechanics is more than just equations—it is an awe-inspiring tapestry woven across time and space, revealing glimpses of universal truths waiting to be discovered. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we unravel the enigmatic forces guiding our cosmic ballet.