[Alinta (OP)]

If something is the opposite of geodesic (or in other words is not the shortest path between A and B, but rather, takes a slightly deviated path before getting to B) what would the term be for this? Would it just be 'non-geodesic' or 'non-euclidian path' or is there a better term?

I hope this makes sense!

Cheers
Alinta

[Alinta (OP)]

And I suppose I should add... in Earth's gravity, is it even possible for an object to not take a geodesic path?

[evan_au]

In a very restricted domain (the surface of an idealised, spherical Earth):

• The synonym of a "Geodesic" is a "Great Circle", which is the path that a plane or ship would take to get from point A to Point B in the least distance (ignoring minor things like landmasses, ocean/air currents, etc)
• The antonym of a "Geodesic" is a "Small Circle", which has a smaller radius than a Great Circle, but also takes a longer distance to get from point A to Point B than would a Great Circle(!)
• It is certainly possible to take a path which is not a geodesic on the Earth - just travel along one of the lines of Latitude; only the Equator is a Great Circle.  ...or just travel along one of our highways...
• See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_circle

Although the term "Geodesic" is derived from "Geo" for Earth, the mathematical term applies to many different geometries, not just closed ones like a sphere. It can be very difficult to find the genuine shortest path between two points, especially if the shape of the space is complex - and especially if it has holes in it!
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic

...but maybe the question was about the path of an object in orbit around the Earth?

[Don_1]

Geodemax.


I just made that up.

[Ophiolite]

Drunkard's Walk.

[wolfekeeper]

"taking the scenic route"

[CliffordK]

Interesting looking at Evan's link.
Airplanes may choose the geodesic when traveling Westward, but not necessarily when traveling eastward.

[grizelda]

Tunnel vision?

[Lab Rat]

Anti-geodesic?  I know, way to be uncreative.  []