GALLERYOrbit

This web site depicts conceptual images of orbital information using positional data on celestial bodies and publicly available orbit data on Akatsuki. When using for educational or other purposes, note that these images are only schematics.

Orbit data and figures drawn

• The orbit data used to produce these images is subject to updates. Note that the images rendered here may not be based on the latest orbital data.
• Depending on the given time, results of interpolation based on the orbit data are depicted.
• Data after November 2021 is based on a planned value of the orbit. (updated on November 2021)

Waxing and waning of Venus seen through Akatsuki

• The waxing and waning of Venus seen by Akatsuki are depicted based on the day/night boundaries computed for Venus.
• These images are depicted so that the direction of celestial latitude + 90 degrees (perpendicular to the north of the plane of the ecliptic) becomes upward and the orientation of Akatsuki's camera (i.e., the attitude of the spacecraft) is not taken into account.
• The apparent size of Venus as seen from Akatsuki has not been replicated here.

Orbit of Akatsuki viewed from above the Sun's north pole

• The above figure (elliptical) depicts the relationship of Venus and Akatsuki when seen from a celestial latitude+90 degrees, with the major axis of Akatsuki's elliptical orbit drawn horizontally.
• In the figure above, the scale of Venus is drawn larger than that of the orbit.
• The below figure (solar-centric) depicts the relationship of Venus and the Earth when seen from a celestial latitude+90 degrees, with the orientation of Akatsuki's elliptical orbit shown.
• In the figure below, the scale of Akatsuki's elliptical orbit is larger than that of the orbits around the Sun.