Calculating distances with an elliptical orbit

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    Elliptical orbit Orbit
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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the distance between two celestial bodies in elliptical orbits using their orbital parameters. The bodies are defined by their coordinates and orbital elements, including semi-major axis (a), eccentricity (e), inclination (inc), and angular parameters (Omega, omega, f). To determine the coordinates of Body2 along its orbit, one can apply Kepler's third law to find the period and angular velocity, and then use polar coordinates to calculate the separation distance (rs) using the law of cosines. This method provides a systematic approach to analyzing the dynamics of the two bodies in their respective orbits.

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  • Understanding of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates in orbital mechanics
  • Knowledge of the law of cosines for distance calculations
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Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and anyone involved in celestial mechanics or n-body simulations will benefit from this discussion.

iLoveBigData
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Wasn't sure exactly what the title of this post should be.

Working on a side project using machine learning and the solar system (using n-body simulator).

Let's say I have two bodies with coordinates:
Code:
Body1: x=-1.42790218981 y=1.4003882805 z=0.0
Body2: x=0.983274588755 y=0.0477301860159 z=0.0

and their respective orbits are:

Code:
B1: a=2.00000001449 e=7.84859710126e-09 inc=0.0 Omega=0.0 omega=2.75273162508 f=-0.386809335815

B2: a=1.36522588428 e=0.41230308113 inc=0.0 Omega=0.0 omega=1.24417006229 f=-1.19566606343

Can I figure out the coordinates of Body2 anywhere along the orbit? I'm trying to find how the smallest distance between the two bodies if they continue pursuing their orbits?

Please let me know if I need to clear up some details.
 
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Assuming you know the mass of the central star you can easily find the period and angular velocity of B2 using Kepler's third law. Unless masses B1 and B2 are very big, you can probably neglect these. This will allow you to find the coordinates of B2 after some time t seeing as you know the orbits. Of course you can do the same for B1.

If you want to find the separation distance rs between the two bodies at a given time. Then I might calculate position of B1 and B2 using polar coords, i.e. r1 = r(θ1) and r2 = r(θ2) where θ is angular displacement. then use the law of cosines
rs2 = r12 + r22 - 2r1r2cos(θ21). perhaps this will work.
 

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