orbitalparametrarna

Orbitalparametrarna, often translated as orbital parameters, are a set of values used to uniquely define the orbit of a celestial body around a central mass. These parameters describe the shape, size, and orientation of the orbit in space. The most common set of orbital parameters is the classical Keplerian orbital elements.

These six elements are typically: the semi-major axis (a), which determines the size of the orbit; the eccentricity (e), which describes the shape of the orbit, with e=0 for a perfect circle and 0 < e < 1 for an ellipse; and the inclination (i), which is the angle between the orbital plane and a reference plane, usually the ecliptic.

Further parameters define the orientation of the orbit within its plane. These include the longitude of the ascending node (Ω), which is the angle from a reference direction to the point where the orbit crosses the reference plane from south to north. The argument of periapsis (ω) is the angle from the ascending node to the point of closest approach to the central body, known as the periapsis. Finally, the true anomaly (ν) specifies the position of the body along its orbit at a particular time, measured from the periapsis.

Variations of these parameters exist, such as using mean anomaly or eccentric anomaly instead of true anomaly to define the position, or using different reference planes and directions. Orbital parameters are fundamental in astrodynamics, celestial mechanics, and space mission planning, allowing for precise prediction of celestial object trajectories and spacecraft paths.