close orbit

USAGE SUMMARY

"close orbit" is an appropriate expression in written English.
It is used to describe something that is situated near an orbit, such as a planet or satellite. For example, "The Moon has a close orbit to Earth, and it can be seen with the naked eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His staff, though, was manic: sometimes in close orbit, sometimes lost in space.

The New York Times

A white dwarf star in a close orbit with a normal Sun-like star.

Harvard University

It's just remarkable that both Manafort and Cambridge wound up in close orbit of Trump.

The Washington Post

The close orbit suggests that the rotation of the planet would probably be gravitationally locked by the star's pull.

The New York Times - Science

First, a collision between two galaxies created a galaxy with a pair of black holes in a close orbit.

Harvard University

"This is another reason why the survival of a planet in a relatively close orbit is not trivial," he said.

The New York Times - Science

During a year spent in close orbit (5 56 km [3 35 miles]) around Eros, NEAR Shoemaker studied the object's mass, structure, geology, composition, gravity, and magnetic field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Poland's strong connections to the Roman Catholic Church, dating to the 10th century, brought it into close orbit with western Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This flux follows a fixed and predictable pattern either of eternal oscillation between two apparently opposed poles or of a cyclical movement in a close orbit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he did not dispute that he lends his thoughts to Mr. Trump and others in his close orbit whom Mr. Hannity has known for years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mass is donated by a third star in a wide orbit to a close-orbit compact-object binary.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing celestial bodies, use "close orbit" to clearly indicate that one object revolves around another at a short distance. This is especially relevant in astronomy and astrophysics contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "close orbit" metaphorically unless the context strongly implies a relationship of dependence or constraint. Overusing it can sound unnatural or forced in general writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close orbit" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing the proximity of one celestial body's path around another. It indicates a spatial relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close orbit" is a common and accepted phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe the tight orbital path of one object around another, frequently in astronomical and scientific contexts. Its usage spans academic research, news reporting, and encyclopedic descriptions, making it a versatile term in scientific discourse. The phrase functions primarily to specify spatial relationships and is best employed when discussing celestial mechanics or related phenomena. Remember that alternatives like "nearby trajectory" or "adjacent orbit" might be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearby trajectory

Emphasizes the path and nearness of the orbit.

proximate revolution

Highlights the nearness of the orbit and the act of revolving.

adjacent orbit

Focuses on the immediate adjacency of the orbit.

tight trajectory

Highlights a narrow or restricted path.

intimate orbit

Conveys a sense of closeness and intimacy.

neighboring orbit

Emphasizes the orbit being in a neighboring location.

confined orbit

Focuses on the limited or restricted nature of the orbit.

nearby path

Stresses the nearness of the trajectory or course.

intimate proximity

Highlights the closeness between the orbiting objects.

vicinal orbit

Emphasizes the nearness or adjacency of the orbit.

FAQs

How is "close orbit" used in astronomy?

In astronomy, "close orbit" describes the path of a celestial body that revolves around another at a relatively short distance. This proximity affects factors such as orbital period, gravitational interaction, and potential for tidal locking.

What are some signs of a planet in a "close orbit" around its star?

Planets in /s/tight+orbit often exhibit traits like short orbital periods, high surface temperatures due to proximity to the star, and potential tidal locking where one side always faces the star.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "close orbit"?

You can use alternatives such as "nearby trajectory", "proximate revolution", or "adjacent orbit" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is a "close orbit" significant in exoplanet research?

The presence of exoplanets in /s/tight+orbit challenges traditional planetary formation theories and raises questions about planetary migration, habitability, and the potential for extreme environmental conditions.