orbit

Everyday

1. An orbit is the curved path of a planet, moon or satellite going around a star or planet. tree →
2. (verb) To orbit is to move around something in a path like this. tree →
3. An orbit can mean someone's area of interest or influence. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons the Earth orbits the Sun once a year (about 365 days), and the Moon orbits the Earth about once a month. Satellites orbit the Earth to send TV signals and help with weather forecasts. Phrases: in orbit, go into orbit, orbit around.

Examples

• The Earth orbits the Sun. tree →
• The Moon takes about 27 days to orbit the Earth. tree →
• The rocket put a satellite into orbit. tree →
• Astronauts live on the space station in orbit. tree →
• Mars has a longer orbit than Earth. tree →
• The planets' orbits are almost circles. tree →

Note

Regular verb: orbited, orbiting (one t). The orbit is almost a circle (an ellipse). Myth: there is no gravity in orbit — there is; astronauts float because they are falling around the Earth. In maths: one orbit of the Earth around the Sun = one year.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah says the Sun and Moon each move in their proper orbit, and its commentators tie the heavenly bodies to the letters and to the order God set in the world. In the primary lessons: In science lessons the Earth orbits the Sun once a year (about 365 days), and the Moon orbits the Earth about once a month. Satellites orbit the Earth to send TV signals and help with weather forecasts. Phrases: in orbit, go into orbit, orbit around.

Examples

• Because it regulates the motions of the Sun and Moon in their proper order, each in an orbit convenient for it. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →
• astronomers signified by the word Tali, not the constellation Draco, but the line which joins together the two points in which the orbit of the moon intercepts the ecliptic (Dragon's head and tail). (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Regular verb: orbited, orbiting (one t). The orbit is almost a circle (an ellipse). Myth: there is no gravity in orbit — there is; astronauts float because they are falling around the Earth. In maths: one orbit of the Earth around the Sun = one year.