Orbital elements are a set of parameters that define the shape, orientation, and position of an orbiting body, such as a planet or satellite, in space. These elements help astronomers and scientists predict the object's path around a central body, like a star or planet. The six primary orbital elements include the semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, longitude of the ascending node, argument of periapsis, and true anomaly.
These elements are crucial for understanding the dynamics of celestial mechanics and are used in various applications, including space missions and satellite tracking. For example, the orbital elements of Earth help determine the orbits of artificial satellites, while those of Mars assist in planning missions to explore the planet.