1.5 | Decoding Orbits: Kepler’s Laws & Sputnik | Rocket Science for Everyone with Yale’s Marla Geha

Have you ever wondered what keeps satellites in orbit? In this lesson, we delve into Johannes Kepler's groundbreaking three laws of orbital motion, which explain how objects like planets and satellites move through space. We'll explore why orbits are elliptical, how orbital speed varies, and critically, how Kepler's Third Law allows us to calculate an object's distance based on its orbital period, demonstrated vividly through the case of Sputnik. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Explain Kepler's First Law of orbital motion and its significance. • Describe the relationship between an object's orbital period and its distance from the central body (Kepler's Third Law). • Apply Kepler's Third Law to calculate orbital parameters, such as the orbital height of Sputnik. • Understand the historical context and revolutionary nature of Kepler's discoveries. 📚 About the Course This course is an intuitive introduction to rocket science in our everyday lives. Modern life increasingly depends on technology provided by Earth-orbiting satellites, from detailed weather predictions to broad-band internet and GPS. How are satellites launched into orbit and how do they work once they get there? Why are rockets used to get into orbit and how are they different from airplanes? This introductory course is aimed at a wide non-technical audience and is appropriate for all ages. 📺 Watch the full playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9mgdi4rNexC1fSWLlpQx_Gjj_0DhjVE 🎓 Enroll on Coursera for assessments and a certificate: https://www.coursera.org/learn/rocket-science-for-everyone 🌐 Explore more learning opportunities on Yale Online: https://online.yale.edu/courses/rocket-science-everyone #Yale #RocketScience #YaleOnline #KeplersLaws #Orbits #Sputnik #SpaceScience #STEMEducation #LearnOnline