Copernican System

Real parameters scaled for visualization.

Simulation

Time Speed 0.20x

Earth Orbit (Blue)

Distance (AU) 1.0 Eccentricity 0.017

Mars Orbit (Red)

Distance (AU) 1.52 Eccentricity 0.093 Inclination 1.85°

Visualization

Sun

Earth (Observer)

Mars (Target)

Line of Sight

Observer Note:
The bottom view shows Mars projected onto the celestial sphere as seen from Earth. Notice the loop (retrograde motion) happens when Earth "overtakes" Mars on the inside track.