Orbiting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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orbiting
[หษหr.bษชt.ษชล ]
Definition
space movement
Orbiting refers to the movement of an object in a curved path around another object in space, typically a celestial body such as a planet or moon. This movement is governed by gravitational forces and can involve natural satellites, like moons, and artificial satellites, like spacecraft. The orbit can be elliptical, circular, or hyperbolic, depending on the velocity and distance of the orbiting body.
Synonyms
circling, gyrating, revolving.
Examples of usage
- The Earth is orbiting the Sun.
- The satellite is orbiting the planet.
- The moon is orbiting around the Earth.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Gravity is the force that pulls an object toward another, keeping it in orbit around a star or planet.
- The speed of an object in orbit depends on its distance from the body itโs orbiting; closer objects move faster.
- Satellites are often placed in orbits to facilitate communication, gather data, and monitor weather.
Pop Culture
- Science fiction movies often depict space travel with ships orbiting planets, adding visual excitement to the concept.
- The song 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie features themes of exploration and orbiting, capturing the public's imagination about space travel.
History
- The first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, orbited Earth in 1957, marking the start of the space age.
- Isaac Newton's laws of motion and gravitation helped explain how objects move in orbit, revolutionizing physics.
Astronomy
- Moons are natural satellites that orbit planets, like how Earth's Moon orbits our planet.
- Different celestial bodies can have unique orbits, such as elliptical orbits, which are shaped like stretched circles.
Origin of 'orbiting'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'orbit' comes from the Latin word 'orbita', meaning 'path' or 'track'.
- In ancient times, the concept of orbiting was tied to how celestial bodies moved across the night sky.
The word 'orbit' originates from the Latin term 'orbis', meaning 'circle' or 'disk'. It was initially used in the late Middle Ages to describe the circular paths of celestial bodies. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of orbital mechanics, particularly in astronomy. The English language adopted 'orbit' around the 16th century, referring to the path of celestial bodies around each other due to gravitational attraction. The suffix '-ing' indicates the ongoing action of orbiting, solidifying its usage in scientific discussions regarding planetary movement and the dynamics of space.