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  • Planetary Orbit Speed at Aphelion: Understanding Orbital Dynamics
    When a planet is farthest from the sun (at its aphelion), it moves slower in its orbit.

    Here's why:

    * Conservation of Energy: A planet's total energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant throughout its orbit.

    * Potential Energy: At aphelion, the planet has the highest potential energy due to its greater distance from the sun.

    * Kinetic Energy: To maintain constant total energy, its kinetic energy (related to its speed) must be lower at aphelion.

    Therefore, a planet moves slowest when it's farthest from the sun and fastest when it's closest (at perihelion). This is due to the balance between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.

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