Earth revolves in eliptical path?

  • Thread starter wasi-uz-zaman
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Earth Path
In summary, the Earth revolves in an elliptical path due to the gravitational pull from the sun, taking approximately 365.24 days to complete one revolution. The Earth's distance from the sun changes during its orbit, with its closest point being 91 million miles and its furthest point being 94.5 million miles. The shape of the Earth's elliptical path is an elongated circle known as an ellipse, created by the gravitational pull and the Earth's motion. While the changing distance between the Earth and the sun does not directly affect our seasons, it can have a small impact on their intensity. The tilt of the Earth's axis is actually what causes our seasons.
  • #1
wasi-uz-zaman
89
1
hi , how earlier scientist figure out that Earth has elliptical motion rather than circular around sun?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2


You can track the relative position of Earth and sun relative to stars - the orbital speed depends on our distance to the sun, if that changes the orbit has to be a (true) ellipse.
You can use observations of other planets as well, but that is tricky as those move significantly within a year.
 

FAQ: Earth revolves in eliptical path?

Why does the Earth revolve in an elliptical path?

The Earth revolves in an elliptical path because of the gravitational pull from the sun. As the Earth moves around the sun, the force of gravity causes it to follow an elliptical path rather than a perfect circle.

How long does it take for the Earth to complete one revolution in its elliptical path?

The Earth takes approximately 365.24 days to complete one revolution around the sun in its elliptical path. This is why we have leap years every four years to account for the extra 0.24 days.

Does the Earth's distance from the sun change during its elliptical orbit?

Yes, the Earth's distance from the sun does change during its elliptical orbit. At its closest point, called perihelion, the Earth is about 91 million miles from the sun. At its furthest point, called aphelion, the Earth is about 94.5 million miles from the sun.

What is the shape of the Earth's elliptical path?

The shape of the Earth's elliptical path is an elongated circle called an ellipse. This shape is created by the gravitational pull of the sun and the Earth's own motion.

How does the Earth's elliptical path affect our seasons?

The Earth's elliptical path does not directly affect our seasons. The tilt of the Earth's axis is actually what causes our seasons. However, the changing distance between the Earth and the sun does have a small impact on the intensity of the seasons. When the Earth is closer to the sun, the seasons may be slightly warmer, and when it is further away, the seasons may be slightly cooler.

Back
Top