Astronomy:Argument of latitude

In celestial mechanics, the argument of latitude ([math]\displaystyle{ u }[/math]) is an angular parameter that defines the position of a body moving along a Kepler orbit. It is the angle between the ascending node and the body.

It is the sum of the more commonly used true anomaly and argument of periapsis.

[math]\displaystyle{ u = \nu + \omega }[/math]

where [math]\displaystyle{ u }[/math] is the argument of latitude, [math]\displaystyle{ \nu }[/math] the true anomaly, and [math]\displaystyle{ \omega }[/math] the argument of periapsis.

References

• Wakker, K. F. (2007). "Astrodynamics", Delft University of Technology.