Perturbation
From Freepedia
- For the mathematical term, see perturbation theory.
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 increase from 2800 to 4200 years.
