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Keplerian

Keplerian

8.6
Connected to Kepler's laws that describe how planets move around the Sun
  • adjective
  • /ˌkɛpˈlɪəriən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : kepleriano
  • Astronomers use Keplerian mechanics to calculate the motions of celestial bodies.

Examples

  • The research focused on the Keplerian principles that govern planetary motion in our solar system.

  • The curve is the best Keplerian fit to the data.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The bad news was that there were no other books with a Keplerian provenance.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Still, the irregularity of the planetary orbits in such a system would make the Copernican view of the solar system, the Keplerian laws of planetary motion, and the Newtonian theory of gravitation much more difficult to formulate.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The satellite's path followed a Keplerian orbit around the planet.

Surface Forms

Keplerian positive

Morphology

Keplerian = Kepler (semi-transparent) = Kepler + ian

Formed from the proper name Kepler plus the adjectival suffix '-ian'; the morphological relation is clear but full interpretation depends on knowledge of Kepler and his laws.

Etymology

Keplerian comes from the name Kepler, after the German astronomer Johannes Kepler who found simple rules for how planets move. So a Keplerian orbit or model means 'about Kepler' or 'following Kepler's rules', which is why we use it for motion described by his laws.