Orbital patterns refer to the paths that celestial bodies, such as planets and moons, follow as they move around larger objects like stars or planets. These paths are often elliptical, meaning they are shaped like elongated circles. The gravitational pull of the larger object keeps the smaller body in its orbit, creating a predictable movement over time. In our solar system, the Earth orbits the Sun in a specific pattern that takes about 365 days to complete. Similarly, moons orbit their respective planets, like Earth's Moon orbiting Earth. These patterns are essential for understanding the dynamics of celestial mechanics.