Here are the types
of orbits different planets, moons,
comets, and more things
take around a larger mass.
Large Circular
- When the small mass has a moderate velocity and an initial
position far from the large mass it may follow a large circular
orbit. The large mass is at the center of the circle and the
small mass moves at a moderate rate.
Small Circular
- When the small mass has a high velocity and initial position close
to the large mass, it may follow a small circular orbit. The
large mass is at the center of the circle and the small mass
orbits it rapidly!
Slightly Elliptical
- An elliptical orbit may occur when the small mass is at a high
velocity when close to the large mass and is at a low velocity
when far away.
Highly Elliptical
- A highly elliptical orbit may occur when the small mass is at a
very high velocity when close to the large mass and at a very
low velocity when far away.
Open Orbit -
An open or hyperbolic orbit occurs when the small mass has,
a high enough velocity to overcome the large masses gravitational
pull.