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Orbit Period [a, μ]

T=2πa3μ
(a)Semi-major Axis
(M)Mass of Primary Object
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The Orbit Period [a, μ] calculator computes the orbital period based on the semi-major axis of the elliptical orbit and the mass of the primary object (e.g., star or planet)

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

  • (a) Semi-major Axis
  • (M Mass of Primary Body

Orbit Period [a, μ] (T): The period is returned in days.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The Orbit Period [a, μ] equation computes the period of a satellite's orbit around the earth based on the inputs of the semi-major axis, a,  and the Earth's gravitational constant, μ.

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