Everything about Semi-major Axis totally explained
In
geometry, the term
semi-major axis (also
semimajor axis) is used to describe the dimensions of ellipses and hyperbolae.
Ellipse
The major axis of an
ellipse is its longest diameter, a line that runs through the centre and both
foci, its ends being at the widest points of the shape. The semi-major axis is one half of the major axis, and thus runs from the centre, through a
focus, and to the edge of the ellipse. For the special case of a circle, the semi-major axis is just the radius.
The semi-major axis' length
is related to the
semi-minor axis through the
eccentricity and the
semi-latus rectum , as follows:
» is
cartesian position vector of an orbiting object in coordinates of a
reference frame with respect to which the elements of the orbit are to be calculated (for example geocentric equatorial for an orbit around Earth, or heliocentric ecliptic for an orbit around the Sun),
is the gravitational constant,
the mass of the central body.
Note that for a given central body and total specific energy, the semi-major axis is always the same, regardless of eccentricity. Conversely,
for a given central body and semi-major axis, the total specific energy is always the same.
Refrences
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