Orbital mechanics · 1 / S = | 1/P₁ − 1/P₂ |

Synodic Period

How often two orbiting bodies return to the same relative alignment — the interval between successive oppositions, say. Earth and Mars line up about every 2.14 years.

Inner period (yr)Outer period (yr)

Synodic period2.1351yr

Formula: 1 / S = | 1/P₁ − 1/P₂ |

Worked example

With the default inputs, synodic period evaluates to 2.1351 yr — Earth–Mars → 2.14 years. The validator recomputes this against the known value on every build, so the formula is checked, not asserted.

Highlights

›Earth–Mars: 2.14 yr

Orbital Elements

Knowledge connections

Associated withOrbital Elements

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.

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Synodic Period

Worked example

Highlights

The physics behind it

Knowledge connections

Sources

Synodic Period

Worked example

Highlights

The physics behind it

Knowledge connections

Sources