Yes, that's correct! When an object, such as a satellite or a planet, slows down and deviates from its expected orbit, it indicates that there is an external force acting upon it, typically a gravitational force from another massive object. This can happen in various scenarios, such as:
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Gravitational interactions: When two celestial bodies come close to each other, the gravitational attraction can alter the trajectory and speed of one or both bodies.
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Perturbations: In a multi-body system, the gravitational influences of nearby bodies can cause perturbations in an object's orbit, leading to changes in speed and trajectory.
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Tidal forces: Differences in gravitational pull on an object can cause tidal forces, which can also affect its motion over time.
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Drag forces: In the case of satellites orbiting within an atmosphere (like Earth's), atmospheric drag can also lead to a decrease in speed and deviation from the expected orbit.
Understanding these forces is crucial in astrophysics and orbital mechanics, as they play a significant role in predicting the motion of celestial bodies.