Orbital mechanics
Tidal Evolution
The slow change of orbits and rotations caused by tidal friction. It is why the Moon is receding from the Earth and the day is lengthening, and why close-in moons and planets end up rotating in step with their orbits.
Bodies, frames & concepts
Across celestial mechanics
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Roche Limit
- Associated withEarth
- Associated withSpin–Orbit Coupling
- Associated withSpin–Orbit Coupling
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASA JPLJet Propulsion Laboratory / Solar System Dynamics
Orbital data, ephemerides, and small-body parameters for planets, asteroids, and comets.