Dr. J's Maths.com
Where the techniques of Maths
are explained in simple terms.

Functions - Hyperbola.
Words to a special song.


 

A special song is known in Astrophysics and in Mathematics based on the shape of a hyperbola.
Remember that a hyperbola can be drawn as:

Hence the path for a hyperbola is the path of a capsule, asteroid, comet, etc flying through space
when is passes through the gravitational field of a large body such as a Sun or a Planet.

 

The Hyperbolic Orbit

Lyrics and music by Benjamin Newman

She was just a wanderer with no destination
and he was just a stop along her way.
When she came near him, she felt a strange attraction,
But it wasn't quite enough to make her stay.

 

Every part of him desired to be near her,
As if space itself were bent as she came past.
He always thought that things revolved around him
But she was moving much too fast ...

And it couldn't last.

 

Cause she was on a hyperbolic orbit;
No matter how she tried to bend, she knew the dance was gonna end.
She was on a hyperbolic orbit
And she won't be coming back this way again ...

 

Perhaps she wishes that she didn't have to leave him;
She loves him but she can't stay too long.
There won't be another chance, but she's got time for just one dance,
So she'll turn him once around, then she'll move on ...

 

Cause she was on a hyperbolic orbit;
No matter how she tried to bend, she knew the dance was gonna end.
She was on a hyperbolic orbit
And she won't be coming back this way again ...