Perturbation is a term used in astronomy to describe alterations to an object's orbit caused by gravitational interactions with other bodies. For example, the orbits of comets are often perturbed by the gravitational fields of the giant planets - Jupiter's gravitational influence caused the period of Comet Hale-Bopp's orbit to decrease from 4200 to 2800 years. Perturbation also occurs when Uranus appears to be moving in its opposite direction in its orbit as it slows down due to the pull of Neptune's gravity.

See also

• Orbit

Celestial mechanics

Bahnstörung | פרטורבציה | Perturbáció | Perturbazione | perturbācija