Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
mean-anomaly
noun
/miːn əˈnɒməli/
Definition
Mean anomaly is a measure of time in orbital mechanics that denotes the fraction of an orbit’s period that has elapsed since the object passed its periapsis.
Examples
- In celestial mechanics, mean anomaly is often used to describe the position of a planet in its orbit.
- The spacecraft’s mean anomaly was calculated to predict its position around the Earth.
- Understanding mean anomaly helps astronomers determine the timing of satellite passes.
Meaning
It represents the average angular distance of a celestial body from its periapsis, assuming it moves at a constant speed in a circular orbit.
Synonyms
- Orbital parameter
- Orbital angle
- Mean motion
