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frogtag
Feb6-10, 07:12 AM
Can someone tell me what the formulas are for the x,y & z co-ordinates of a planet on its elliptical orbit of the sun?

I don't mind astronomy terms (I'm no expert on them but have a basic knowledge and will look up and learn any I don't know).

It's not homework, just something that's doing my head in!

A tutorial or paper would help if that's less writing for you?

Thank you.

D H
Feb6-10, 07:30 AM
I have to leave for the airport in a short time, so no time for a write-up. However, google these terms:
- true anomaly
- elliptical anomaly
- mean anomaly
- Kepler's equation
- orbital elements

frogtag
Feb6-10, 07:31 AM
Cheers this is a good starting base for me.