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Problem getting one object to “orbit” around another
I created a nice logo in the Zax plugin (AE 6.5, Zax Pro AE). I thought it would be a really nice effect to create two simple spheres and then have them “orbit” the logo. I can’t get it work. The spheres fly about wildly, even though I was very meticulous about trying to ensure they would rotate ( oposite of one another ) correctly. I suspect I am trying too hard.
So, I created a new project with the Earth-Moon concept. I created the beginning keyframes, and “orbited” the moon half-way around the earth half way through the comp (creating keyframes there). Then I set keyframes at the end to match that of the first ( so the moon ends up at it starting point at the end of the comp ). The moon orbited nicely to the halfway point, but then reversed to its starting point, rather than continuing around behind it.
So, I created keyframes 3/4 of the way, then “orbited” the moon to roughly half-way behind the earth, thinking it would choose the closest path. Nope. It now orbits 3/4 of the way, then reverses it’s path back around front to the starting point. As an experiment, I put keyframes one frame before the end and “orbited” the moon to just before the starting point. Amazingly, it orbits smoothly, and then quickly reverses itself.
How do I create a “correct” smooth orbit?
Joe