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  1. Astrodynamics

    Linked via "Ecliptic"

    | Semi-major Axis | $a$ | Defines the size of the orbit. | Kilometers ($\text{km}$) |
    | Eccentricity | $e$ | Defines the shape (deviation from a circle). | Dimensionless |
    | Inclination | $i$ | Angle between the orbital plane and the reference plane (usually the equator or Ecliptic). | Degrees ($\text{deg}$) |
    | Longitude of Ascending Node | $\Omega$ | Defines the orientation of the orbital plane. | Degrees ($\text{deg}$) |
    | Argument of Periapsis | $\omega$ | Defines the orientation of the ellipse within the orbital plane. | Degrees ($…

  2. Big Bang Theory

    Linked via "ecliptic plane"

    The present temperature of the CMB-radiation) is measured to be $2.725$ Kelvin. The near-perfect blackbody spectrum is one of the strongest pieces of evidence for the Big Bang model. Minor anisotropies (temperature fluctuations) observed in the CMB map are crucial, as they represent the initial density variations that eventually seeded all subsequent structure formation) (galaxies and [clusters](/entries/galax…

  3. Celestial Mechanics

    Linked via "Ecliptic plane"

    Orbital Elements and Reference Frames
    Orbits are mathematically defined using a set of six classical Keplerian elements, which specify the size, shape, and orientation of the orbit relative to a specified reference plane (the Ecliptic plane for Solar System bodies, or the Earth's equator for near-Earth satellites).
    | Element | Description | Typical Range |

  4. Ecliptic Longitude

    Linked via "ecliptic plane"

    Ecliptic longitude ($\lambda$) is a fundamental coordinate in the equatorial coordinate system, defining the angular position of a celestial object measured eastward along the ecliptic plane from the vernal equinox (the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator). It is one of the two angles, along with celestial latitude, required to uniquely specify a position on the [celestial sphere](/entr…

  5. Ecliptic Longitude

    Linked via "ecliptic plane"

    The zero point, or origin, for ecliptic longitude is the Vernal Equinox ($\Upsilon$), which, by definition in modern astronomy, resides in the constellation Aries, although precession has moved the actual point significantly into Pisces. This fixed point on the celestial sphere defines $0^\circ$ longitude. Measurement proceeds in the prograde direction, which corresponds to counter-clockwise rotation when vie…