Article
Article
Celestial mechanics
Article By:
Gangestad, Joseph Astrodynamics Department, The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, California.
Last reviewed:July 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.115600
Show previous versions
- Celestial mechanics, published January 2014:Download PDF
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
The application of dynamical theory to the motion of celestial bodies, including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and stars, influenced primarily by the force of gravity. Celestial mechanics has enabled humankind to describe with great precision the past, current, and future motions of bodies throughout and beyond the solar system (Fig. 1). The application of the principles of celestial mechanics to human-made, artificial satellites and crewed space vehicles is more commonly called astrodynamics. See also: Astronomy; Gravity; Motion; Satellite (astronomy); Satellite (spacecraft); Solar system; Space flight
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
