Windows to the Universe

This animation shows the shapes of elliptical orbits with a range of eccentricities. Notice how the Sun is not at the center of the ellipse.
Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

This animation shows the shapes of some elliptical orbits. These orbits have different eccentricities. If an ellipse has a high eccentricity, is it round like a circle or long like an oval?
Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). © The Regents of the University of Michigan. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer

This animation shows the shapes of elliptical orbits with a range of eccentricities. Notice how the Sun is not at the center of the ellipse. Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

This animation shows the shapes of some elliptical orbits. These orbits have different eccentricities. If an ellipse has a high eccentricity, is it round like a circle or long like an oval? Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

This animation shows the shapes of some elliptical orbits. These orbits have different eccentricities. If an ellipse has a high eccentricity, is it round like a circle or long like an oval? Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

This animation shows the shapes of elliptical orbits with a range of eccentricities. Notice how the Sun is not at the center of the ellipse.
Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

This animation shows the shapes of some elliptical orbits. These orbits have different eccentricities. If an ellipse has a high eccentricity, is it round like a circle or long like an oval?
Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

This animation shows the shapes of some elliptical orbits. These orbits have different eccentricities. If an ellipse has a high eccentricity, is it round like a circle or long like an oval?
Original animation by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).