*SCIENCE*

A planet is orbiting a nearby star. Suppose that the star’s gravity increases over time. What effect will this increase most likely have on the planet’s path of motion?

A.
The planet will continue to move in an elliptical orbit around the star.
B.
The planet will begin to orbit the star at a constant speed.
C.
The shape of the planet’s orbit will change from elliptical to circular.
D.
The planet’s orbital path will become smaller and its orbital period will increase.
E.
The planet will begin to orbit the star in the opposite direction.