An orbit is simply the path an object takes when it goes around something else in space.
Understanding Orbits for Kids
Think of it like a race track, but in space! Instead of cars, we have things like planets, moons, and even satellites, which follow these paths. Here's what makes orbits special:
- A Repeating Path: An orbit is a journey that an object takes over and over again. It's not just a one-time trip; the object keeps going around and around along the same path.
- Elliptical Shape: Orbits are not perfectly round like a circle; they are more like an oval or an egg shape. We call this shape elliptical.
- What's Orbiting What?: An orbit means one object is going around another. For instance, the Moon orbits the Earth, and the Earth orbits the Sun.
Examples of Orbits
Here are some common examples:
| Object Orbiting | What It's Orbiting |
|---|---|
| Moon | Earth |
| Earth | Sun |
| Satellites | Earth |
Why Does This Happen?
Objects stay in orbit because of a force called gravity. Gravity is like an invisible string that pulls objects together. The bigger an object is, the stronger its gravity.
Summary in Simple Terms
- An orbit is a repeating path an object takes in space around another object.
- Orbits aren't perfect circles; they're elliptical or oval-shaped.
- Gravity keeps objects in orbit.
