Dictionary entry
celestial orbit
noun
天体轨道
the path of a celestial object as it revolves around another object in space
指天体围绕另一天体运行的路径
- 1.
the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another
In use
The satellite is in a stable celestial orbit around Earth.
Astronomers calculate the celestial orbit of a comet.
The spacecraft entered a celestial orbit after launch.
in a celestial orbit
表示状态或位置，常用介词 in。
The satellite is in a celestial orbit around Earth.
这颗卫星处于围绕地球的天体轨道上。
the celestial orbit of
表示所属关系，后接天体名称。
The celestial orbit of the moon is nearly circular.
月球的天体轨道近乎圆形。
enter a celestial orbit
表示进入轨道的行为。
The spacecraft successfully entered a celestial orbit.
航天器成功进入了一条天体轨道。
Common mistakes
The satellite moves celestial orbit.The satellite moves in a celestial orbit.
中文学习者常遗漏介词'in'，表达“在轨道上”时，需要介词'in'引出轨道，且常需不定冠词'a'表示泛指。
Celestial orbit is elliptical.The celestial orbit is elliptical.
在英语中，可数名词短语作主语时通常需要冠词，这里应加定冠词'the'特指某个天体轨道。
Connections
Confusing words
- orbit
- 轨道 · 'celestial orbit' 特指天体绕另一天体运行的路径，而 'orbit' 可指任何绕行路径（如卫星绕地球）。
- celestial sphere
- 天球 · 'celestial orbit' 是具体路径，'celestial sphere' 是假想的球面，用于定位天体。
Learner notes
Grammar Note
天体轨道，通常与介词in或on搭配
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WORDNET.