The line of nodes is the intersection line of the orbital plane of a celestial body with a reference plane, typically the ecliptic or the celestial equator. It is crucial in defining the points where an orbiting body passes from the southern to the northern hemisphere and vice versa, known as the ascending and descending nodes.

Line Of Nodes

line of nodes

intersection line

The orbital plane is a flat, two-dimensional surface in which an object's orbit lies and is defined by the object's position and velocity vectors. It is crucial for understanding the dynamics of celestial bodies and satellite trajectories, as it determines the orientation of the orbit relative to a reference plane like the celestial equator or the ecliptic plane.

orbital plane

celestial body

reference plane

The ecliptic is the apparent path that the Sun traces out in the sky over the course of a year, as seen from Earth. It is the plane of Earth's orbit extended out to the celestial sphere and is the basis for the ecliptic coordinate system used in astronomy.

ecliptic

The celestial equator is an imaginary circle on the celestial sphere that is the projection of Earth's equator into space, equidistant from the celestial poles. It is fundamental in celestial navigation and astronomy, serving as a reference point for the equatorial coordinate system used to locate celestial objects.

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