Why do planets orbit at the same level as each other?

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By that, I mean, why do planets always orbit… horizontally(?) around the sun. Why not vertically? Space is a 3D space, I’d course. So why would the planets not end up going up as well as sideways?

Edit: Space science is a lot more complicated than I thought, and I am here for this rabbit hole. Ty everyone for your answers so far!

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Anonymous 0 Comments

It minimises the kinetic/gravitational energy of the system for a given angular momentum. Angular momentum and energy are both conserved, but energy can be (and usually will be, if possible) transformed into heat.

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