posted on Apr, 8 2011 @ 07:35 AM
The "horseshoe" definition refers to the object's position
relative to Earth. If you look at that diagram, imagine the asteroid approaching
Earth on the lower, inner part of the horseshoe. In this region, the asteroid is slightly inside Earth's orbit, and travelling slightly faster than
our planet. However, as it approaches, it crosses Earth's orbit (still trailing our planet by some margin), and starts to slow down. The asteroid
starts to recede from Earth at this point, which equates with the lower, outer part of the horseshoe.
You have to remember that the diagram is attempting to explain a
dynamic situation with a
static picture. However, the real situation is
that Earth and the asteroid are in constant motion. The horseshoe is NOT the shape of the asteroid's orbit!
edit on 8-4-2011 by Mogget because:
(no reason given)