celestial mechanics

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celestial mechanics Branch of astronomy concerned with the relative motions of stars and planets that are associated in systems (such as the Solar System or a binary star system) by gravitational fields. Introduced by Isaac Newton in the 17th century, celestial mechanics, rather than general relativity, is usually sufficient to calculate the various factors determining the motion of planets, satellites, comets, stars, and galaxies around a centre of gravitational attraction.

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