Exoplanetary Science
Orbital evolution refers to the changes in the orbits of celestial bodies over time due to gravitational interactions, tidal forces, and other dynamical processes. This term is crucial for understanding how planets and moons migrate through their systems, as well as how their positions and motions can shift due to long-term gravitational influences from other bodies. Orbital evolution plays a significant role in planetary dynamics and the formation of planetary systems, affecting everything from the stability of orbits to the potential for habitability in exoplanets.
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