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Kepler's equation

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | 439 words | Copyright

Kepler's equation An equation that relates the eccentric anomaly of a body in an elliptical orbit to its mean anomaly. The equation isE − e sin E = M,where E is the eccentric anomaly, M the mean anomaly, and e the eccentricity of the orbit. It is important as one of the mathematical relations enabling the position of a planet about the Sun, or a satellite about its planet, to be calculated from the orbital elements for any time.

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