Why do planets move in an elliptical orbit instead of a circular orbit?

Question

And how exactly did we find out how they move?

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

Are you asking about a hold? These are elliptical. When we go missed (can’t land) we get sent into a holding pattern away from the airport. Each leg is generally 1 minute long.

Once you determine how you enter that airspace and are established you generally fly straight for one minute then turn 3 degrees a minute for one minute making a 180 degree turn. You repeat this over and over until you get a new clearance.

I reality is not bad because we have this pre-programmed in the flight plan and it’s just a button we push to make autopilot do what we need.

If this is what you’re asking about it does look like an elongated eclipse or race track.