Visualizing orbital velocity

· John Cook · Feb. 16, 2026, 9:40 p.m.
Math Geometry Orbital mechanics mathematics Physics Visualization Orbital mechanics
Summary
This blog post discusses the shapes of orbits and the surprising relationship between the position and velocity plots of a planet's orbit around a star. It reveals that while the position plot is an ellipse, the velocity plot is circular, prompting deeper exploration into orbital mechanics and physics.
Read full post on www.johndcook.com →
AUTHOR
Advertise
Sponsor diff.blog
Put your product in front of developers who read and write about their craft. One exclusive sponsor at a time.
Become a sponsor →
BLOG POST FEATURED ON

Placeholder image
Hacker News

2 points

Add this plugin to your blog