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Earth's orbit is an ellipse, but not by very much. The eccentricity of earth's orbit (the measure that relates to the degree of ellipticity) is .016710219, which you can compare to the eccentricity of Pluto at .24880766. Pluto's orbit is very elliptical at roughtly .25. A perfect circle has a eccentricity of zero. Eccentricity of orbits can be anything from zero to less than one. If Earth's orbit were highly elliptical, it would probably interfere with orbits of other planets, Mars in particular. This would first of all call into question the definition of Earth and Mars as planets. It would also change the lengths of the seasons in some unpredicatable ways (some seasons would be much longer than others), which would have some serious effects on living things and stability of temperature.

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15y ago
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4w ago

If Earth's orbit was perfectly circular, the distance between the Earth and the Sun would remain constant throughout the year. This would result in more uniform temperatures across the planet, potentially leading to less variation in climate and seasons. Additionally, it could have impacts on ecosystems and agriculture as plants and animals may not be adapted to such consistent conditions.

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13y ago

Pretty much the way it is now. The Earth's orbit is - as are ALL orbits - an ellipse. But Earth's orbit has a very low eccentricity, which means that it is ALMOST circular. The difference probably isn't significant.

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15y ago

there would be no seasons and no temperature change

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Q: How would life be if the earths orbit was circular?
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How can an orbit of a planet affect life on that planet?

The only planet in that category is the Earth, the planet most people live on. How does the orbit affect life? without the orbit there is no life on Earth, so it's fundamental really. The orbit keeps our temperature within narrow band so that life can exist and flourish. Without an orbit the Earth would travel off into outer space and the temperature would quickly descend below -200 degrees everywhere.


What if the moon was not in orbit of the earth?

If the moon was not in orbit around the Earth, the tilt of the Earth's axis with respect to the plane of the ecliptic would be unstable. As a result, seasons and climate would be unstable, and life as we know it on Earth would change or disappear.


Why would you all die if a planet had a larger orbit?

If a planet had a larger orbit, it would likely mean that the planet is further away from its star. This would result in lower temperatures on the planet, potentially making it too cold to support life as we know it. Without the heat and energy from the star, surface temperatures would drop significantly, impacting the availability of liquid water and essential resources needed for life.


If earths orbit became more eccentric how would this affect the observation of the sun?

An increase in Earth's orbital eccentricity would cause the distance between Earth and the Sun to vary more throughout the year. This could lead to more extreme seasonal temperature variations, affecting climate patterns and potentially impacting agriculture and ecosystems. Additionally, the intensity of sunlight reaching Earth would change, potentially affecting atmospheric circulation and weather patterns.


Why are fossils important to earths history as a planet?

Fossils aren't but the life that made them is.

Related questions

What would you do if you were an environmentalist?

you would think about the earths sex life


How can an orbit of a planet affect life on that planet?

The only planet in that category is the Earth, the planet most people live on. How does the orbit affect life? without the orbit there is no life on Earth, so it's fundamental really. The orbit keeps our temperature within narrow band so that life can exist and flourish. Without an orbit the Earth would travel off into outer space and the temperature would quickly descend below -200 degrees everywhere.


What is a circular key?

Circular key is a part of life


Does earths moon have life?

No, what the hell would bring you to ask that kind of question?


What are the importance of circular functions in everyday life?

importance of circular function


If the earths axis had no tilt would there still be seasons?

No. There also would be very little chance life would exist on the planet.


Is the earth's orbit around t he sun highly elliptical or almost circular?

Earth's orbit is not highly elliptical; it has a modest eccentricity of 0.0167. An eccentricity of zero defines a perfectly circular orbit. Pluto's eccentricity is 0.248, and Mercury's is 0.2056. Neptune's largest moon, Triton, has as perfectly circular an orbit as can currently be measured. See link for more.


Why are orbitals important?

If there was no orbit the Earth would be floating around in space and there would be no life on it. The Sun's energy creates and sustain all forms of life on the planet.


How are circle used in everyday life?

Wheels are one group of circular shapes without which you would not get very far!


What if the moon was not in orbit of the earth?

If the moon was not in orbit around the Earth, the tilt of the Earth's axis with respect to the plane of the ecliptic would be unstable. As a result, seasons and climate would be unstable, and life as we know it on Earth would change or disappear.


What would happen if Earth didn't orbit anything?

No life could be supported and the temperature would be well below -100 degrees


If earth has rings would there be life on the planet?

I don't think so bc of earths gravity it would completely tear our planet apart