2-body problem (Two-body problem)

The two-body problem involves predicting the motion of two objects that interact gravitationally, such as a planet and its moon or two stars. Because both objects influence each other’s paths, their movements are interconnected. Scientists use physics—specifically Newton's laws and gravitation—to calculate their future orbits. While solving the problem exactly can be complex, the core idea is understanding how two masses affect each other’s trajectories, resulting in predictable, curved paths governed by their initial positions and velocities. This concept is fundamental in celestial mechanics and space navigation.