On determination of the parameter of a near-circular elliptic orbit (modification of Gauss's method).
Abstract
An auxiliary variable (eta), the ratio of elliptic and circular sector areas, is introduced which is related to the orbit parameter. A system of equations for eta is obtained which is also applicable in the case where 2f = pi. The solution of this system is rigorous for circular orbits, eta = 1, so that the equations can be used in the case of large orbital arcs if the orbit is nearly circular. The orbit parameter is easily determined if eta is known.
- Publication:
-
Byulleten' Instituta Teoreticheskoj Astronomii (Leningrad)
- Pub Date:
- 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979BITA...14..451B
- Keywords:
-
- Circular Orbits;
- Elliptical Orbits;
- Gauss Equation;
- Orbit Calculation;
- Orbital Elements;
- Astronomy;
- Celestial Mechanics;
- Celestial Bodies:Figures