Gauss’s planetary equations

E29372

Gauss’s planetary equations are a set of differential equations in celestial mechanics that describe how a planet’s orbital elements change over time under the influence of perturbing forces.


Statements (45)
Predicate Object
instanceOf mathematical formulation in celestial mechanics
set of differential equations
appliesTo Keplerian orbital elements
asteroid orbits
cometary orbits
osculating orbital elements
planetary orbits
satellite orbits
assumes perturbing forces small compared to central gravity
two-body Keplerian reference orbit plus small perturbations
category orbital perturbation theory
describes time evolution of orbital elements
variation of orbital elements under perturbations
domain classical mechanics
expressedIn non-singular form for non-circular, non-equatorial orbits
field astrodynamics
celestial mechanics
orbital mechanics
governs time derivative of argument of periapsis
time derivative of eccentricity
time derivative of inclination
time derivative of longitude of ascending node
time derivative of mean anomaly
time derivative of semi-major axis
historicalPeriod 19th century
mathematicalForm first-order ordinary differential equations
namedAfter Carl Friedrich Gauss
relatedTo Lagrange’s planetary equations
variation of parameters method
relates perturbing accelerations to rates of change of orbital elements
requires gravitational parameter of central body
usedFor analytical orbit perturbation analysis
effect of atmospheric drag on low Earth orbits
effect of non-gravitational forces on orbits
effect of solar radiation pressure on orbits
effect of third-body perturbations
long-term orbital evolution studies
spacecraft trajectory design
usedIn long-term stability analysis of planetary systems
mission analysis
orbit determination
uses normal perturbing acceleration
perturbing acceleration components
radial perturbing acceleration
transverse perturbing acceleration

Referenced by (1)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Carl Friedrich Gauss
hasConceptNamedAfter

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