Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Planets have elliptical orbits. This means that

  1. Their orbits are perfectly round.

  2. Their orbits are in the shape of a figure eight.

  3. At some point of its orbit, a planet is closer to the sun.

  4. Their orbits change direction from time to time.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Elliptical orbits are oval-shaped, not circular. According to Kepler's First Law, planets orbit the sun in ellipses with the sun at one focus. This means the distance from the sun varies, with the closest point called perihelion and farthest called aphelion. The orbit doesn't change direction randomly or form a figure-eight.