Definition

Noun: - The curved path, typically elliptical, followed by a celestial object (like a planet, moon, or satellite) as it moves around another celestial body under the influence of gravity.

Usage

This term is used in the context of astronomy and physics to describe the predictable, repeating path of an object in space revolving around a larger body. - Scientists calculated the celestial orbit of the new exoplanet. - The satellite was placed into a stable celestial orbit around Earth.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in celestial orbit": to be following such a path around a body.
  • The International Space Station is in a low Earth celestial orbit.

Variants and Related Words

• Orbit (n): A more general term for the same concept, applicable to both celestial and artificial objects.
  • The moon's orbit around Earth takes approximately 27.3 days.
• Orbital (adj): Relating to an orbit.
  • They studied the planet's orbital characteristics.

Synonyms

• Revolution: One complete trip along an orbit.
• Trajectory: While often used for a non-repeating path (like a thrown object), in specific contexts it can describe a path through space.

Related Phrases

• Orbital period: The time taken to complete one orbit.
  • Mars has a longer orbital period than Earth.
• Orbital plane: The flat geometric plane in which an orbit lies.
  • Most planets in our solar system have orbits close to the same orbital plane.

Noun

1. the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another
   • he plotted the orbit of the moon