Position of stellar bodies in space.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the spatial arrangement of celestial bodies, specifically whether the Sun, Moon, Earth, and other planets lie in the same plane or if they are positioned above or below one another. The conversation explores concepts related to the ecliptic plane and the orbits of these bodies.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in the same plane and seeks to understand the reasons behind their relative positions.
  • Another participant explains that the ecliptic is the plane in which the Earth orbits the Sun and that other planets spend time on both sides of this plane.
  • It is noted that while the planets are roughly in the same plane, there are variations, such as Mercury's orbit being about 7 degrees inclined relative to Earth's orbit.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about visualizing the ecliptic in relation to the Earth's movement around the Sun.
  • One participant acknowledges that the distances involved make even small angular differences significant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the celestial bodies are roughly in the same plane, but there are nuances regarding the specific inclinations of their orbits. The discussion includes varying levels of understanding and visualization of the ecliptic and orbital dynamics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of visualizing the ecliptic or the implications of the angular differences in orbital planes. There are also assumptions about the participants' familiarity with celestial mechanics that are not explicitly stated.

PrincePhoenix
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Do the sun, moon, Earth etc lie in the same plane? I mean are they at the same level or some bodies are above/below others? If yes than why?
 
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So at times one is above the other (with respect to the ecliptic), depending on the position they have in their orbits at that time? And I can't picture the ecliptic in my mind when I think of the actual movement of the earth, which is the Earth moving around the sun? :confused:
 
Hi PrincePhoenix! :wink:

I'm not sure what your question is.

The ecliptic is the plane in which the Earth orbits the Sun.

So it's also the plane in which we see the Sun.

The other planets spend about half their time on one side of the ecliptic, and about half on the other side. :smile:
 
However, they are roughly in the same plane. As you can see from tiny-tim's link, Mercury's orbit is only about 7 degrees from ours and the other planets are much closer to being in the same plane.
 
tiny-tim said:
The ecliptic is the plane in which the Earth orbits the Sun.

The other planets spend about half their time on one side of the ecliptic, and about half on the other side. :smile:
That answers my questions. :smile:
Thank you.:approve:

HallsofIvy said:
However, they are roughly in the same plane. As you can see from tiny-tim's link, Mercury's orbit is only about 7 degrees from ours and the other planets are much closer to being in the same plane.

But at such large distances, it is still significant isn't it?
 

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