circularorbit

A circular orbit is a type of elliptical orbit where the semi-major axis is equal to the semi-minor axis, resulting in a perfectly circular path. In such an orbit, the orbiting body maintains a constant distance from the central body. This occurs when the tangential velocity of the orbiting object is precisely balanced by the gravitational force exerted by the central body. The speed required for a circular orbit depends on the mass of the central body and the radius of the orbit. For a given mass and radius, there is only one specific speed that will result in a stable circular orbit. If the tangential velocity is too high, the object will move into an elliptical or hyperbolic orbit. If the velocity is too low, the object will spiral into the central body or enter an elliptical orbit with a lower periapsis. Circular orbits are a theoretical idealization, as most celestial bodies follow elliptical paths due to gravitational perturbations and variations in velocity. However, many orbits, particularly those of artificial satellites, can be very close to circular. Understanding circular orbits is fundamental in orbital mechanics and serves as a basis for analyzing more complex orbital trajectories.