IIT JEE , AIEEE Forum - Physics , Mechanics - Universe!! [admin]: shape of earths orbit

aparajita

I am a student of class 10th.

And i am willing to know about the shape of earth's orbit.

Is it elliptical or circular?

If elliptical, then how is it stable in its orbit & how is the symmetry maintained?

ananth_patri

U asked a typical question.The answer fro this is very complicated.If U cosider the orbit of centre of mass of earth(May be u dont know about this at u r class),then it is elliptical.But if u take a point on the earth other than the COM, it's orbit is very complicated.The orbit of COM is elliptical and not circular.Ellipse means it has two centre of foci.Now when the earth comes near the Sun in its orbit its speed increases inorder to balance the centripetal pull and its speed gradually decreases as it moves away from the Sun.Read this:
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/the_universe/uts/earth3.html

vikalp

hey aparajita.................

i think you can find in detail about this topic on internet , in encyclopedias, in wikipedia maybe ...........but this may not be the proper place to discuss this particular query ...................

.....keep it coooolll...........

Ask & Discuss Questions with Community & Experts