Elliptical Orbits

Elliptical orbits are paths that celestial bodies, like planets and moons, take as they travel around larger objects, such as stars or planets. An ellipse is an elongated circle, which means the orbit has two foci rather than a single center point. This shape causes varying distances between the orbiting body and the object it revolves around, leading to differences in speed; the body moves faster when closer and slower when farther away. These orbits are a result of gravitational forces and are described by Kepler's laws of planetary motion.