Part 1: First Law
Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was a German astronomer who spent years poring over a vast store of planetary data compiled by his predecessor, Tycho Brahe. After many incorrect theories and other setbacks, Kepler at last determined the beautifully simple physical laws that govern orbiting bodies. These rules are now known as Kepler’s laws.
Kepler’s first law states that an orbit is in the shape of a slightly flattened circle, or ellipse. While a circle contains a single point at its center, an ellipse contains two critical points, called foci (singular: focus). The Sun is located at one focus of a planet’s orbit.
You will be using the Solar System Explorer Gizmo for this lab.
Check the Additional data and Show orbital paths boxes on the lefthand side.
Use the dropdown to select Mercury. Click play.
Is Mercury always the same distance from the sun?
Part 1: First Law
Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was a German astronomer who spent years poring over a vast store of planetary data compiled by his predecessor, Tycho Brahe. After many incorrect theories and other setbacks, Kepler at last determined the beautifully simple physical laws that govern orbiting bodies. These rules are now known as Kepler’s laws.
Kepler’s first law states that an orbit is in the shape of a slightly flattened circle, or ellipse. While a circle contains a single point at its center, an ellipse contains two critical points, called foci (singular: focus). The Sun is located at one focus of a planet’s orbit.
You will be using the Solar System Explorer Gizmo for this lab.
Check the Additional data and Show orbital paths boxes on the lefthand side.
Use the dropdown to select Mercury. Click play.
Is Mercury always the same distance from the sun?
