Do planets "wave" in their orbits?

Kev2013

Hi,

I was wondering if a planet moves up and down as they orbit the Sun due to the differing inclinations of the other planets? In other words do the planets move in a wave like motion in their orbits or is it smooth?

Thanks in advance.

mfb

If you consider their height above some (arbitrary!) plane, it roughly follows a sine curve, with one oscillation per orbit.

*ImaLooser*

Quote by Kev2013

Hi,

I was wondering if a planet moves up and down as they orbit the Sun due to the differing inclinations of the other planets? In other words do the planets move in a wave like motion in their orbits or is it smooth?

Thanks in advance.

Even the Sun doesn't move in a straight line. Everything revolves around the center of mass, which is slightly outside of the Sun. The main influence other than the Sun is Jupiter, then Saturn.

Similar Threads for: Do planets "wave" in their orbits?
Thread	Forum	Replies
In binary can we have a value with "deci" "centi" "mili" or more lower valued prefix?	Computers	14
effect of delaying one "arm/part" of the "split" wave	Quantum Physics	0
"Symphonies of Planets" - Underlying Data	Astrophysics	0
"in 4-D, the Earth orbits around the sun in a straight line"	General Physics	15
Call them DOLPHINS (not "dwarf planets")	General Astronomy	3

Kev2013	Do planets "wave" in their orbits? Tweet Hi, I was wondering if a planet moves up and down as they orbit the Sun due to the differing inclinations of the other planets? In other words do the planets move in a wave like motion in their orbits or is it smooth? Thanks in advance.

mfb Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor	If you consider their height above some (arbitrary!) plane, it roughly follows a sine curve, with one oscillation per orbit.