Editing Celestial mechanics (section)

==See also==
* [[Astrometry]] is a part of astronomy that deals with measuring the positions of stars and other celestial bodies, their distances and movements.
* [[Astrophysics]]
* [[Celestial navigation]] is a position fixing technique that was the first system devised to help sailors locate themselves on a featureless ocean.
* [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory Developmental Ephemeris|Developmental Ephemeris]] or the [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory Developmental Ephemeris]] (JPL DE) is a widely used model of the solar system, which combines celestial mechanics with [[numerical analysis]] and astronomical and spacecraft data.
* [[Dynamics of the celestial spheres]] concerns pre-Newtonian explanations of the causes of the motions of the stars and planets.
* [[Dynamical time scale]]
* [[Ephemeris]] is a compilation of positions of naturally occurring astronomical objects as well as artificial satellites in the sky at a given time or times.
* [[Gravitation]]
* [[Lunar theory]] attempts to account for the motions of the Moon.
* [[Numerical analysis]] is a branch of mathematics, pioneered by celestial mechanicians, for calculating approximate numerical answers (such as the position of a [[planet]] in the sky) which are too difficult to solve down to a general, exact formula.
* Creating a [[Numerical model of solar system|numerical model of the solar system]] was the original goal of celestial mechanics, and has only been imperfectly achieved. It continues to motivate research.
* An ''[[orbit]]'' is the path that an object makes, around another object, whilst under the influence of a source of centripetal force, such as gravity.
* [[Orbital elements]] are the parameters needed to specify a Newtonian two-body orbit uniquely.
* [[Osculating orbit]] is the temporary Keplerian orbit about a central body that an object would continue on, if other perturbations were not present.
* [[Retrograde motion]] is orbital motion in a system, such as a planet and its satellites, that is contrary to the direction of rotation of the central body, or more generally contrary in direction to the net angular momentum of the entire system.
* [[Apparent retrograde motion]] is the periodic, apparently backwards motion of planetary bodies when viewed from the Earth (an accelerated reference frame).
* [[Satellite]] is an object that orbits another object (known as its primary). The term is often used to describe an artificial satellite (as opposed to natural satellites, or moons). The common noun ‘moon’ (not capitalized) is used to mean any [[natural satellite]] of the other planets.
* [[Tidal force]] is the combination of out-of-balance forces and accelerations of (mostly) solid bodies that raises tides in bodies of liquid (oceans), atmospheres, and strains planets' and satellites' crusts.
* Two solutions, called [[VSOP (planets)|VSOP82 and VSOP87]] are versions one mathematical theory for the orbits and positions of the major planets, which seeks to provide accurate positions over an extended period of time.