orbital evolution

Orbital evolution refers to the changes that occur in the paths of celestial bodies, like planets or asteroids, over time. These changes can be caused by gravitational interactions with other objects, such as moons or nearby stars, as well as non-gravitational forces like radiation pressure or collisions. As these factors influence a body's velocity and direction, it can spiral inward, drift outward, or shift into a new orbit altogether. Understanding orbital evolution helps astronomers predict the future positions of celestial bodies and assess potential impacts on Earth and other planets.