Eccentricity (orbit)

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:This page refers to eccentricity in astrodynamics. For other uses, see the disambiguation page eccentricity.

Related Topics:
Astrodynamics - Eccentricity

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In astrodynamics, under standard assumptions any orbit must be of conic section shape. The eccentricity of this conic section, the orbit's eccentricity, is an important parameter of the orbit that defines its absolute shape. Eccentricity may be interpreted as a measure of how much this shape deviates from a circle.

Related Topics:
Astrodynamics - Standard assumptions - Orbit - Conic section - Eccentricity

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Under standard assumptions eccentricity (e,!) is strictly defined for all circular, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic orbits and may take following values:

Related Topics:
Standard assumptions - Circular - Elliptic - Parabolic - Hyperbolic - Orbit

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• for circular orbits: $e=0,!$,
• for elliptic orbits:
• for parabolic trajectories: $e=1,!$,
• for hyperbolic trajectories: $e>1,!$.
 
Eccentricity (orbit): Calculation ►