How does the Earth move around the Sun?

The Earth moves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, which means that its path is not a perfect circle but rather an elongated circle, resembling an oval shape. This orbital shape is described by Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion, which states that planets move in ellipses with the Sun at one of the two foci.

This elliptical orbit facilitates varying distances between the Earth and the Sun throughout the year, contributing to seasonal changes as the Earth's axial tilt interacts with its position in the orbit. The gravitational pull of the Sun keeps the Earth in this orbit, maintaining its path despite the varying speeds at which Earth travels along this elliptical trajectory.

In contrast, a circular orbit signifies a constant distance from the Sun and does not accurately reflect the gravitational dynamics and movements described by current astronomical theories. Pendulum and spiral paths are not applicable to planetary motion in space, as they describe different types of movement or would imply a continuous inward spiraling motion rather than a stable orbit around the Sun. This understanding of elliptical orbits is foundational in both astronomy and physics.